Senate passes bill prohibiting recruitment of underage persons into Nigerian military

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The Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 was passed by the Senate for second reading, making it illegal to recruit anybody under the age of eighteen into the armed forces.

The proposed law, which forbids the enlistment of minors, brings Nigeria’s military activities into compliance with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Child Rights Act, 2003.

The initiative, which is being sponsored by Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), aims to replace the current Armed Forces Act, 2004 with a statute that is both operationally responsive and compatible with the constitution.

Leading the Senate floor debate, Yar’Adua declared that the change was long needed, pointing out that the existing legislation—which was initially based on a military decree—no longer satisfies the requirements of contemporary government, democratic accountability, or changing security circumstances.

“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.

Wide-ranging changes are proposed by the bill, such as broadening the scope of military offenses, establishing appropriate penalties, and safeguarding the independence of courts-martial by making involvement from higher-ranking officers illegal as a preventative measure against power abuse.

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