Compulsory Military Service? FG Breaks Silence On Training Directive

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it plans to introduce compulsory military service for Nigerian youths.

Speaking at the presentation of a publication titled “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths” in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), described such reports as false.

Musa, represented at the event by the Deputy Director of Special Duties, Col. George Usibe, emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to maintaining a professional volunteer military complemented by civic national service programmes.

He explained that the country’s security architecture relies on a volunteer armed forces model, reinforced by civic service initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

“Globally, approaches to national service differ significantly. While some countries have mandatory military service as part of their defence strategy, the majority operate professional volunteer armed forces supported by civic service, reserve systems, and community preparedness frameworks,” Musa said.

He added, “Our Armed Forces are a professional volunteer force dedicated to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting civil authorities in addressing internal security challenges. This professional military is complemented by civic national service through the NYSC, which continues to foster national integration, exposure, and youth engagement across our diverse federation. Other youth- and community-based platforms further promote civic responsibility and resilience within our society.”

Musa was explicit in clarifying that there is currently no policy to introduce mandatory military service in Nigeria.

He noted that global experience demonstrates that security challenges such as insurgency and terrorism are not determined solely by manpower. Instead, effective governance, capable institutions, and strong citizen–state relations are key to sustainable security.

While ruling out compulsory military training, the Minister affirmed that the government remains open to scholarly research and public discussion on national service. He stressed that any future policy consideration must align with constitutional provisions, economic realities, and institutional capacity.

“The Federal Government recognises that scholarly inquiry and constructive public dialogue are essential to policy development. Ideas must be examined, assumptions tested, and perspectives shared within the marketplace of national thought. This publication represents a commendable effort to stimulate evidence-based discussion on a matter of strategic importance,” Musa said.