By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted January 16th, 2025
In a move that aims to insulate the military from controversial distractions and other unprofessional conducts, the federal government announced that Nigerian military personnel have been explicitly banned from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, LGBTQA2S+, and other activities considered against the ethics of the armed forces.
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While the directive has sparked public debate about inclusivity, the ban is drawn from an update to the ‘Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service’, reflecting the Federal Government’s attempt to reinforce discipline, professionalism, and ethical standards within the Nigerian military.
The explicit ban are on activities considered “against the ethics of the armed forces,” including those related to sexual orientation, body modification, and certain social behaviors, emphasizing a focus on maintaining traditional codes of conduct within the armed forces.
The new or reinforced guidelines are streamlined to include behavioural conduct, professional integrity, financial and legal responsibilities.
In simple terms, Nigerian military personnel are prohibited from homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and participation in LGBTQIA2S+ activities or cross-dressing. The order bans body piercings, tattoos, disorderly conduct, drunkenness and forbids amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
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Officers must meet financial obligations such as vehicle licenses and insurance fees. In order to inculcate a culture of fiscal responsibility, issuing dud cheques by any personnel is considered a serious offence.
Furthermore, the policy document states that military personnel cannot join secret societies or political parties. Misuse of government property and engaging in private businesses are prohibited, together with acceptance of gifts and favors from subordinates.
The order emphasized that conducts prejudicial to military disciple and other acts likely to discredit the armed forces or misuse resources are forbidden.
While these rules aim to create a more disciplined and ethically consistent military, the absence of specified disciplinary measures leaves room for interpretation and potential challenges in enforcement. This approach aligns with broader efforts to insulate the military from activities or associations that could detract from its focus or tarnish its reputation.
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However, the inclusion of prohibitions on LGBTQIA2S+ activities and cross-dressing raises concerns about inclusivity, human rights, and international standards on non-discrimination. This aspect of the policy might draw criticism from advocacy groups and international observers, especially given evolving global perspectives on diversity and equality within military institutions.
Given Nigeria’s cultural beliefs which aligns with the prohibitions, it would be interesting to see how these updated terms are likely to spark significant discourse around the balance between maintaining military discipline and respecting individual rights.