Reps Begin Hearing on Defence Bills to Boost Military Capacity, Veterans’ Welfare

The House of Representatives on Monday commenced a two-day public hearing on a series of defence-related bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s military structure, improving personnel welfare, and enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces to address emerging security challenges.

Opening the hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said the proposed legislation aligns with the 10th House Legislative Agenda and reflects the need to respond to Nigeria’s evolving security environment.

Tajudeen noted that the country continues to grapple with insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central, separatist agitations in the South-East, as well as growing threats such as cybercrime, maritime piracy, and terrorism-linked organised crime.

He stressed that Nigeria’s Armed Forces remain under significant pressure despite their critical role in maintaining national security.

According to the Speaker, the bills seek to modernise the legal and institutional framework governing the military, making it more accountable, inclusive, and responsive to contemporary security realities.

Among the key proposals are a bill to establish an Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme to promote food security in conflict-prone communities, legislation aimed at improving gender inclusion within the military, a Nigerian Military Force Bill intended to replace the existing Armed Forces Act, and a bill to establish a Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria to strengthen support for retired military personnel.

Tajudeen assured stakeholders that the hearing was not a mere formality and that all memoranda and submissions would be carefully considered before the committee presents its final recommendations.

Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said the hearing was designed to encourage broad stakeholder participation in shaping defence policies. He explained that the proposed laws cover military training, operational coordination, healthcare services, research, doctrine development, governance reforms, food security initiatives, and veterans’ welfare.

The hearing also witnessed differing opinions on the proposed Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria Bill. While some stakeholders supported the initiative, citing international best practices, others argued that the proposed structure gives excessive influence to senior officers and does not adequately represent lower-ranked veterans.

Retired legal practitioner and former non-commissioned officer, Sadiqe Nwabuezeh, called for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs, arguing that retired service personnel should play a greater role in managing institutions created for their welfare.

The public hearing is expected to conclude with recommendations that will guide further legislative consideration of the bills.