Senate moves to ban enlistment of child soldiers

The Senate has taken a decisive step toward outlawing the recruitment of persons under 18 years of age into Nigeria’s military, as it passed for second reading the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), seeks to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act, 2004 and replace it with a modern, constitutionally compliant framework that aligns military operations with democratic values, human rights standards, and global conventions.

A key provision of the proposed law expressly prohibits the enlistment of minors, bringing Nigeria’s military regulations in conformity 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.

Leading the debate, Senator Yar’Adua emphasised that the reform was “long overdue,” noting that the current law, originally a military decree, no longer reflects the realities of modern governance or the demands of professional armed forces.

“Our Armed Forces are a symbol of national unity and pride,” Yar’Adua stated.

“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 proposed legislation introduces wide-ranging reforms, including an expanded definition of military offences, proportionate punishments, and measures to protect the independence of courts-martial.

It criminalizes interference by superior officers in judicial proceedings, an innovation aimed at curbing abuse of power and ensuring fair trials within the Armed Forces.

For the first time, legally qualified military officers will be permitted to represent the Armed Forces in civil courts.

The bill also proposes the establishment of a standing litigation fund to ensure the timely handling of military-related legal matters.

Additionally, the legislation replaces outdated fines, some as low as ₦200 or ₦500 with penalties pegged to an offender’s salary percentage, ensuring sanctions remain both deterrent and economically relevant.

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Yar’Adua described the bill as a “transformative framework” that will “modernize the Armed Forces and enhance accountability while preserving discipline.”

“This reform isn’t about weakening military command,” he added, “but about strengthening integrity, protecting rights, and ensuring that our Armed Forces continue to command the respect they deserve, both at home and abroad.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Joint Committee on Army, Navy, and Air Force for further legislative scrutiny, with a report expected in four weeks.