Defence Minister Rejects Mandatory Military Training for Youths

On Friday, Defence Minister Gen Christoph Musa addressed the public's concerns regarding the proposed introduction of mandatory military training for Nigerian youths. During the presentation of a book titled "Serve Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youth," Musa clarified that the Federal Government has no plans to enforce compulsory military service.

He highlighted that Nigeria's security framework is built around a professional military complemented by civic service initiatives, such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Musa stressed the importance of voluntary participation in military and civic responsibilities, noting that the government remains open to research-based discussions on national service.

He also pointed out that while some advocate for mandatory service citing examples from countries like Finland and Israel, the Nigerian context requires a focus on voluntary service and skill development among youth. Musa concluded by stating that the government prioritizes strong institutions and public trust in addressing security challenges rather than relying solely on manpower.