The House of Representatives has commenced deliberations on a sweeping package of defence reform bills designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, modernise military operations and improve the welfare of service personnel amid escalating security challenges across the country.
The two-day public hearing, organised by the House Committee on Defence at the National Assembly in Abuja, brought together military leaders, lawmakers, security professionals, academics, civil society organisations, veterans and policy experts to scrutinise proposals that could significantly reshape the nation’s defence framework.
The legislative review comes as Nigeria continues to confront multiple security crises, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, communal clashes in the North-Central region, separatist violence in the South-East, as well as emerging threats linked to maritime insecurity and cybercrime.
Opening the hearing, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the proposed bills were part of broader efforts by the 10th National Assembly to strengthen national security through comprehensive legal and institutional reforms.
“The bills listed for consideration over the next two days are not mere legislative exercises. They are, in my considered view, a direct response to the evolving 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,” Abbas said.
He noted that Nigeria’s Armed Forces continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities across several conflict zones and security flashpoints nationwide.
“From the relentless insurgency in the North-East, to the scourge of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, the farmer-herder crises in the North-Central and the separatist agitations in the South-East, our Armed Forces are stretched, yet they remain our first and last line of defence,” he stated.
The Speaker further warned that changing security realities, including piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, cyber warfare and increasing collaboration between criminal syndicates and terrorist organisations, require stronger legal mechanisms and more adaptable military institutions.
One of the key proposals before lawmakers seeks to repeal the current Armed Forces Act and replace it with a new Nigerian Military Force Bill aimed at modernising military administration, command systems and operational structures.
Other proposed legislation includes the creation of an Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme intended to support food production, logistics and self-sufficiency within the military establishment.
Additional bills focus on strengthening military healthcare, professional training, strategic research, doctrine development and educational institutions within the Armed Forces.
Abbas called on stakeholders to fully engage in the legislative process and contribute ideas that could improve the quality of the final laws.
“I call on all stakeholders, serving and retired military personnel, civil society, gender experts, veterans, lawyers and ordinary citizens – to participate actively. Share your memoranda, speak your truth, critique where necessary and propose solutions,” he said.
Assuring participants that their submissions would not be ignored, the Speaker added:
“Do not hold back because you think your voice does not matter. It does. Do not stay away because you fear your submission will be ignored. I give you my word, every memorandum will be read, every oral presentation will be noted, and all relevant contributions will be considered and, where applicable, incorporated into the final reports and bills.”
He stressed that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires innovative thinking and bold policy choices.
“The security challenges we face today demand bold, fresh thinking. The old ways have not fully worked. We must be open to legislative innovations,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, described the hearing as a critical stage in developing laws that will shape the future of Nigeria’s defence and security institutions.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this Two-Day Public Hearing organised by the House Committee on Defence on a number of important legislative proposals aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture, enhancing military professionalism, improving the welfare of service personnel and veterans and positioning our Armed Forces to effectively address the evolving security challenges of our time,” Benson said.
He emphasised that public hearings remain one of the most important aspects of the legislative process because they allow citizens and stakeholders to directly influence policy outcomes.
“Public hearings are among the most important stages of the lawmaking process because they provide an opportunity for citizens, experts, institutions and stakeholders to participate directly in shaping legislation. Through this process, proposed laws benefit from broader scrutiny, practical insights and diverse perspectives, ensuring that the final outcomes are 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, healthcare services, veterans’ welfare, food security initiatives, research and inclusiveness within the Armed Forces.
“The importance of public participation becomes even more significant when dealing with matters of defence and national security. Defence legislation affects national sovereignty, military effectiveness, operational readiness and ultimately the safety and well-being of every Nigerian,” he said.
He assured participants that all memoranda and presentations would receive detailed consideration before recommendations are forwarded to the House for legislative action.
Benson also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces for their commitment and sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating security threats across various operational theatres.
The public hearing is expected to generate recommendations that could drive some of the most significant military reforms currently before the National Assembly. If eventually passed into law, the proposed measures are expected to modernise military governance, strengthen support structures for veterans, promote greater inclusiveness and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond to both conventional and emerging security challenges.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to reposition the nation’s defence sector and address persistent concerns over the effectiveness of existing security frameworks in the face of evolving threats.
(Ripples)
