The Nigerian Senate has moved closer to a major overhaul of the country’s defence legal framework with the passage of the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 for second reading.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), is designed to modernise Nigeria’s military laws and bring them in line with global child protection standards. According to the sponsor, the legislation aims to ensure full compliance with international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen safeguards against the involvement of children in armed conflict, reinforce the welfare and protection provisions for minors in military environments, and update operational guidelines in accordance with international best practices.
Senators who contributed to the debate described the bill as timely and essential, noting that Nigeria must continue to demonstrate commitment to global treaties protecting children in conflict zones.
With the second reading completed, the bill has been referred to the relevant Senate committee for further legislative work, after which it will be returned to the chamber for clause-by-clause consideration and final passage.
