The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant legislative step toward protecting children’s rights by moving to prohibit the recruitment of persons under the age of 18 into the nation’s armed forces. The upper chamber achieved this as it passed the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 for its second reading.
The proposed legislation seeks to outlaw the enlistment of minors into the military, aligning Nigeria’s defence practices with key international and domestic human rights instruments — including 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.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), aims to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act, 2004, and replace it with what he described as “a constitutionally compliant and operationally responsive framework.”
Leading the debate on the floor of the Senate, Yar’Adua stressed the urgent need for reform, explaining that the current legislation — which originated from a military decree — is outdated and no longer meets the requirements of modern governance, democratic accountability, or the country’s evolving security landscape.
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He stated: “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.”
According to the lawmaker, the bill introduces comprehensive reforms designed to strengthen accountability and uphold justice within the armed forces. These reforms include expanding the definition of military offences, introducing proportionate punishments, and safeguarding the independence of courts-martial by criminalising interference from superior officers — a move he said would serve as “a critical safeguard against abuse of power.”
Senator Yar’Adua added that the bill would “modernise the administration of military justice, enhance the welfare of personnel, and ensure that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain disciplined, professional, and consistent with international best practices.”
The proposed law, once enacted, is expected to mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s human rights record by ensuring that no child under the age of 18 is recruited into military service, while also reforming the legal and ethical framework guiding the nation’s defence institutions.