The Senate has moved to outlaw the recruitment of persons under the age of 18 into the military as it passed the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, for second reading.

The proposed law, which prohibits the enlistment of minors, aligns Nigeria’s military practices with the Child Rights Act, 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 seeks to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act, 2004, and replace it with a constitutionally compliant and operationally responsive law.

Yar’Adua, while leading the debate on the floor of the Senate, stated that the reform was long overdue, noting that the current legislation, originally derived from a military decree, no longer meets the demands of modern governance, democratic accountability, or evolving security realities.

“Our armed forces are a symbol of national unity and pride, but the laws guiding them have not evolved at the same pace as our democracy. This bill rebuilds the military’s legal foundation to reflect justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” the lawmaker said.

The bill introduces sweeping reforms, including expanding the definition of military offences, introducing proportionate punishments, and protecting the independence of courts-martial by criminalising interference from superior officers, a safeguard against abuse of power.

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