Government says no plans for mandatory military service for youths
The Federal Government has dismissed claims about introducing compulsory military service for Nigerian youths. Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Minister of Defence, clarified that the country will continue with its professional volunteer armed forces, supported by civic national service like the National Youth Service Corps. He emphasized that current discussions and publications on the topic do not reflect official policy. The government remains open to dialogue but insists there is no plan for mandatory military training.
What we know
- Gen. Christopher Musa (retd) stated there is no policy to introduce mandatory military service in Nigeria.
- The current security approach relies on a professional volunteer military and civic national service through the National Youth Service Corps.
- The government values public debate and scholarly discussion but maintains a pragmatic and consultative policy direction.
- The author of a new book on the topic, Mohammed Abubakar, highlighted international examples and survey results supporting mandatory service.
- The Defence Minister stressed that any future policy must align with constitutional principles, economic realities, and institutional capacity.
