The House of Representatives has commenced a two-day public hearing on several defence-related bills aimed at modernising Nigeria’s military framework, enhancing operational capacity, and improving welfare for serving personnel and veterans.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas opened the hearing on Monday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, describing the proposed legislation as part of the 10th Assembly’s legislative agenda to address evolving security threats. Abbas highlighted persistent challenges including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central, separatist agitations in the South-East, and emerging threats such as cybercrime and maritime piracy.
Key bills under consideration include one establishing an Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme for food security in conflict areas, legislation to promote gender inclusion, a new Nigerian Military Force Bill to replace the existing Armed Forces Act, and a bill to create a Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria. Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said the hearings would ensure broad stakeholder input. Discussions on the Veterans’ Federation Bill revealed divergent views, with some retired officers calling for greater inclusivity across ranks and others advocating for a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
The hearing is expected to produce recommendations that will shape the final versions of the bills before they proceed to further legislative stages. This move reflects growing legislative focus on security sector reform amid public frustration over persistent insecurity. Successful passage could boost troop morale, improve operational effectiveness, and provide better support for veterans, ultimately contributing to more robust national defence. Observers see it as a critical step towards addressing systemic gaps in military welfare and modernisation, which have long hampered responses to complex threats.
The outcome of these hearings will be closely watched by security experts, serving officers, and civil society as Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges. Stakeholders hope the bills will lead to tangible improvements in the armed forces’ readiness and post-service care, helping to restore public confidence in the nation’s defence architecture.
