The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed for the second reading a landmark bill to repeal and re-enact the Armed Forces Act, establishing a modern, constitutionally compliant, and operationally responsive legal framework for the country’s military.

Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina Central), the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 791) seeks to align military governance with democratic oversight, judicial accountability, and international standards.
Speaking during plenary, Yar’adua noted that the current Armed Forces Act, rooted in 1960s military decrees and last consolidated in 2004, has remained largely unchanged despite evolving constitutional, operational, and security realities.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain the cornerstone of our sovereignty and national security,” he said. “Yet our military law has not kept pace with modern defence requirements.” The legislation will allow court review of military convictions, modernise disciplinary procedures, replace outdated fines with salary-based sanctions, and extend fair-hearing rights to non-commissioned officers.
A key provision of the bill explicitly prohibits the enlistment of persons below 18 years, ensuring compliance with the Child Rights Act and international humanitarian standards. Senator Tahir Monguno explained that the reform prevents military boards of inquiry from serving as a basis for convictions without trial, emphasising the principle that no one can be a judge in their own case. The bill also reinforces the President’s constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief, ensuring military accountability under democratically elected institutions.
Supporters hailed the reforms as long overdue. Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) called the bill essential for aligning the military with Nigeria’s democratic journey, while Senators Monguno and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) described it as a visionary framework for modernising the defence establishment.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the session, confirmed that the bill was unanimously approved for the second reading and referred to the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force, and Navy, with a directive to report back within four weeks. “Our laws must evolve with the times,” he said. “This reform is necessary not only in the military but across all spheres of national life.”
The bill modernises the Armed Forces Act, strengthens civil-military relations, guarantees due process, and harmonises Nigeria’s military legal framework with global best practices. By subjecting military convictions to court review, enforcing an 18-year minimum enlistment age, and codifying clear chains of command, the legislation aims to boost discipline, professionalism, and accountability across the Nigerian Armed Forces.