The Joint Committee of the Senate on Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force last ,Wednesday held a crucial interactive session with Nigeria’s top security leadership to deliberate on the Armed Forces (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 791), aimed at strengthening the legal and operational framework of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, said the engagement was convened to receive critical inputs from the nation’s Security Chiefs, stressing that the Armed Forces remain the backbone of Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.
In his opening remarks, Senator Lawan described the military as “the shield of the nation,” noting that any legislative effort targeted at improving its effectiveness constitutes a vital national assignment.
He explained that the proposed legislation seeks to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act enacted in 1994, describing the law as outdated and ill-suited for the evolving security realities of the 21st century.
“The need for this Bill is both urgent and imperative. Our military operates in a dynamic and complex security environment, and our laws must evolve to reflect these new realities,” Lawan stated.
He further noted that the country’s persistent security challenges demand comprehensive legal reforms that will empower the Armed Forces with a modern, robust, and enabling statutory framework to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
In line with resolutions reached at the Committee’s previous meeting on December 3, 2025, the Joint Committee invited the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Service Chiefs; and other heads of security agencies to provide operational and frontline perspectives on the Bill.
According to Senator Lawan, the expert scrutiny and submissions of the security leadership are indispensable to the legislative process and will significantly shape the final outcome of the proposed law.
He commended members of the Joint Committee and the Security Chiefs for their robust engagement, patriotism, and detailed presentations, noting that their contributions would guide subsequent deliberations.
The Committee Chairman reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to delivering a progressive, effective, and responsive legal instrument that will support and strengthen the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
