Senate Approves Bill Banning Recruitment of Minors into Nigerian Military

Table of Contents

1. Senate Moves to Outlaw Recruitment of Minors
2. Proposed Law Aligns with International Standards
3. Bill Sponsorship and Objectives
4. Debate and Justification for Reform
5. Reforms Introduced by the Bill

The Senate has taken steps to prohibit the recruitment of individuals under 18 years of age into the military by passing the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, for its second reading.

This proposed legislation, which bans the enlistment of minors, aligns Nigeria’s military practices with the Child Rights Act of 2003, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Sponsored by Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the bill aims to repeal the current Armed Forces Act of 2004 and replace it with a law that complies with the constitution and is responsive to operational needs.

While leading the debate in the Senate, Yar’Adua emphasized that this reform was long overdue, pointing out that the existing legislation, originally based on a military decree, no longer meets the requirements of modern governance, democratic accountability, or the evolving security landscape.

“Our armed forces represent national unity and pride, yet the laws governing them have not evolved in tandem with our democracy. This bill aims to reconstruct the military’s legal framework to embody justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” the lawmaker stated.

The bill proposes extensive reforms, including a broader definition of military offenses, the introduction of proportionate punishments, and the safeguarding of courts-martial independence by criminalizing interference from superior officers, which serves as a protection against the abuse of power.