The Nigerian Senate has passed the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 for second reading, moving closer to banning the recruitment of individuals under 18 into the nation’s military.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the bill seeks to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act of 2004 and replace it with a new, constitutionally aligned framework that mirrors Nigeria’s democratic and security realities.
The proposed legislation is consistent with global and regional child protection standards, such as the Child Rights Act of 2003, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Presenting the bill, Senator Yar’Adua described the reform as long overdue, noting that the current Armed Forces Act was originally a military decree that no longer reflects democratic principles.
“Our armed forces are a symbol of unity and pride, but the laws guiding them have not evolved with our democracy. This bill rebuilds the military’s legal foundation to reflect justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” he stated.
Beyond outlawing child recruitment, the bill also introduces far-reaching reforms, including clearer definitions of military offences, fairer punishment procedures, and stronger safeguards for courts-martial by criminalising interference from superior officers — a step designed to curb abuse of power within the military hierarchy.
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 Bill, 2025 for second reading, moving closer to banning the recruitment of individuals under 18 into the nation’s military.){kind=link}