October 22, (THEWILL) — The House of Representatives has moved to reform the Armed Forces Act, as lawmakers, on Tuesday, passed for second reading a bill seeking to strengthen the military’s command structure, accountability, and operational efficiency.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”, was sponsored by a group of lawmakers led by Hon. Aminu Balele (APC, Katsina), Hon. Midala Usman Balami (PDP, Borno) and Hon. Daniel Asama (APC, Benue).
According to its sponsors, the legislation seeks to align the Armed Forces Act with current constitutional realities, improve coordination among the Services, and enhance oversight mechanisms within the defence establishment.
Balami, while leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, said the proposed amendment was designed to modernise the Armed Forces’ legal framework in accordance with international standards and democratic accountability.
“The amendment is essential to strengthen the command hierarchy, clarify the roles of the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff, and reaffirm the constitutional authority of the President as the Commander-in-Chief”, Balami stated.
He added that the reform would also ensure operational coordination and discipline across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, enabling the military to respond more effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
In his contribution, Hon. Daniel Asama stressed that the amendment would provide clearer lines of authority within the Forces Council and Ministry of Defence, preventing institutional overlap and improving decision-making processes.
Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties supported the bill, describing it as timely and necessary to enhance the efficiency, professionalism, and accountability of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has referred the bill to the relevant committees for further legislative action, including a clause-by-clause review and stakeholder consultations.
The committees are expected to submit their report for third reading before the bill proceeds to the Senate for concurrence and eventual presidential assent.
If passed into law, the amended Armed Forces Act is expected to redefine the military command structure, boost transparency, and enhance the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle insecurity nationwide.
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