Nigeria's House of Reps Reviews Defense Laws for Security

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has initiated a review of defense laws through public hearings aimed at reforming the military framework to enhance national security. The hearings, organized by the House Committee on Defense at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, brought together lawmakers, senior military officials, security experts, and civil society groups.

Speaker Tajudeen Abba emphasized that the proposed legislation is a direct response to the evolving security threats facing Nigeria, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and separatist violence in the southeast. The proposed reforms include repealing the Armed Forces Act and replacing it with a new Nigerian Military Force Bill, which aims to modernize military command structures and operational frameworks.

Additionally, the bill proposes establishing an Armed Forces Farm Ranch Scheme to support food production logistics and enhancing military education and healthcare services. Abba urged stakeholders, including retired military personnel and civil society, to actively participate in the legislative process to shape the final report.