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The House of Representatives has commenced deliberations on a defense reform package designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, modernize military operations and improve the welfare of military personnel amidst increasing security challenges across the country.
The two-day public hearing, organized by the House of Representatives Defense Committee at the National Assembly in Abuja, brought together military leaders, lawmakers, security professionals, academics, civil society organizations, veterans and policy experts to examine proposals that could significantly reshape the country’s defense framework.
This legislative review comes as Nigeria continues to face multiple security crises, including insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnapping in the North West, communal clashes in the North-Central region, separatist violence in the South East, as well as emerging threats related to maritime insecurity and cybercrime.
Opening the session, Chairman of the DPR Rt. Dear. Tajudeen Abbas, said the proposed law is part of a broader effort by the 10th National Assembly to strengthen national security through comprehensive legal and institutional reforms.
“The bill that will be considered in the next two days is not just a legislative exercise. In my view, this bill is a direct response to the growing security threats facing our beloved nation and the imperative to build a more resilient, inclusive and effective military institution. This is a core component of our Legislative Agenda in the 10th Assembly,” said Abbas.
He noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces continued to shoulder major responsibilities in several conflict zones and security hotspots across the country.
“From the incessant insurgency in the North East, to the scourge of banditry and kidnapping in the North West, the farmer-herder crisis in the North-Central and separatist agitations in the South East, our Armed Forces remain weak, but they remain our first and last line of defence,” he said.
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Speakers further warned that changing security realities, including piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, cyber warfare and increasing collaboration between criminal syndicates and terrorist organizations, require stronger legal mechanisms and more adaptable military institutions.
One of the important proposals put forward by lawmakers is to repeal the current Armed Forces Act and replace it with a new Nigerian Military Forces Bill that aims to modernize military administration, command systems and operational structures.
Other proposed legislation includes the establishment of an Armed Forces Agriculture and Livestock Scheme intended to support food production, logistics and self-sufficiency among the military.
Additional bills focus on strengthening military health services, professional training, strategic research, doctrine development, and educational institutions within the Armed Forces.
Abbas called on stakeholders to be fully involved in the legislative process and contribute ideas that could improve the quality of the final law.
“I call on all stakeholders, active and retired military personnel, civil society, gender experts, veterans, lawyers, and ordinary citizens – to actively participate. Share your memoranda, speak your truth, criticize where necessary, and propose solutions,” he said.
Assuring participants that their input would not be ignored, the Speaker added:
“Don’t hold off because you think your vote doesn’t matter. It does. Don’t stay away because you’re afraid your submission will be ignored. I promise you, every memorandum will be read, every oral presentation will be recorded, and all relevant contributions will be considered and, where possible, incorporated into the final report and bill.”
He emphasized that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires innovative thinking and bold policy choices.
“The security challenges we face today demand bold and fresh thinking. Old methods have not completely worked. We must be open to legislative innovation,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Defense Committee, Babajimi Benson, described the session as an important stage in developing legislation that will shape the future of Nigeria’s defense and security institutions.
“I am very pleased to welcome you all to the Two-Day Public Hearing hosted by the House of Representatives Defense Committee on a number of important legislative proposals aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defense architecture, enhancing military professionalism, improving the welfare of military personnel and veterans, and positioning our Armed Forces to effectively address the evolving security challenges of our time,” Benson said.
He emphasized that public hearings remain one of the most important aspects of the legislative process because they allow the public and stakeholders to directly influence policy outcomes.
“Public hearings are one of the most important stages in the lawmaking process because they provide an opportunity for citizens, experts, institutions and stakeholders to participate directly in shaping laws. Through this process, proposed laws benefit from broader scrutiny, practical insights and diverse perspectives, thereby ensuring that the final result is more effective, inclusive and responsive to national realities.”
According to Benson, the bills under consideration address several strategic areas, including military governance, operational readiness, professional education, health services, veteran welfare, food security initiatives, research and inclusivity in the Armed Forces.
“The importance of public participation becomes increasingly important when addressing national defense and security issues. Defense laws affect national sovereignty, military effectiveness, operational readiness and ultimately the safety and well-being of every Nigerian,” he said.
He assured the participants that all memoranda and presentations would receive detailed consideration before recommendations were forwarded to the DPR for action.
Benson also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces for their commitment and sacrifice in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating security threats in various operational areas.
These public hearings are expected to produce recommendations that can advance some of the most significant military reforms currently being submitted to the National Assembly. If ultimately passed into law, these proposed measures are expected to modernize military governance, strengthen support structures for veterans, encourage greater inclusivity, and increase Nigeria’s capacity to respond to conventional and emerging security challenges.
This initiative is part of the House of Representatives’ ongoing efforts to reposition the country’s defense sector and address persistent concerns regarding the effectiveness of the existing security framework in the face of evolving threats.
