The House Committee on Defence has held a public hearing on five bills considered critical to Nigeria's growing security concerns, with one of the proposals seeking to reshape the make up of the country's armed forces. Among the legislation presented at the hearing was the Armed Forces Act Amendment Bill 2024, described as a vital piece of legislation aimed at promoting inclusivity and gender equality within the Armed Forces.
At the centre of the bill is a requirement for greater female participation in the military. The proposal mandates a minimum of 15 percent representation of women in areas including the enlistment and appointment of personnel, in a deliberate move to address what was described as the pressing need for increased female representation in the armed forces.
To achieve this, the bill proposes amendments to Section 3 and Section 7 of the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The lawmaker presenting the bill stressed that the changes were designed not merely as a legal framework but as a commitment to ensuring that the military reflects the diversity of the nation and the full potential of its citizens.
Beyond setting a numerical target, the bill also seeks to establish a comprehensive gender responsive compliance program. According to the proposal, the program would guide the armed forces in creating an environment where all personnel, regardless of gender, can thrive while serving the country.
As part of the public hearing, the committee invited a wide range of stakeholders to take part in the process. Military personnel, civil society organisations, gender experts, veterans and ordinary citizens were all urged to participate actively, submit memoranda and propose solutions, with the assurance that every submission received would be carefully considered by the committee.
The Speaker of the House was personally present at the hearing to emphasise the importance of the bills under consideration. The Armed Forces Act Amendment Bill comes on the heels of the State Police Constitution Amendment Bill passed by the House, with lawmakers expressing the belief that these pieces of legislation will go a long way towards addressing the country's insecurity challenges.
Officials indicated that a team had been put together within the Ministry of Defence to review the proposed bills, and that a memorandum would be submitted to the committee soon. The session also paused to acknowledge the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who continue to serve the nation with courage and professionalism.