The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports suggesting that the Federal Government is considering compulsory military training for Nigerian youths.
He stated that Nigeria will maintain its professional volunteer armed forces system, supported by civic national service programmes.
The clarification follows ongoing public discussions on security reforms and proposals advocating broader youth involvement in national defence.
Musa made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during the presentation of a book titled “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths.” He was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Special Duties, Col. George Usibe.
He explained that while the book contributes to national conversations on service and civic responsibility, it does not represent the official policy stance of the Federal Government.
According to him, Nigeria’s security framework is anchored on a professional military structure, complemented by civic service schemes such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He noted that various countries operate different national service models, with some enforcing mandatory military service and others relying on voluntary armed forces strengthened by civic and reserve systems.
“Our Armed Forces operate as a professional volunteer military dedicated to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic, while supporting civil authorities in addressing internal security challenges. This professional force is complemented by civic national service through the National Youth Service Corps, which continues to play a vital role in promoting national integration, exposure and youth engagement across our diverse federation.
“Additional youth-oriented and community-based platforms further contribute to resilience and civic responsibility within our society. It is therefore important to state clearly that there is presently no policy to introduce mandatory military service in Nigeria.”
The minister emphasised that insecurity cannot be addressed solely through increased manpower, stressing that good governance, effective institutions and trust between citizens and the state are essential for sustainable peace.
Although he ruled out compulsory military training, Musa said the government remains receptive to informed debates and research-driven discussions on national service.
He added that any future direction on the matter would be determined by constitutional provisions, economic considerations and institutional preparedness.
He said, “However, the Federal Government recognises that scholarly inquiry and constructive public dialogue remain indispensable to policy evolution. Ideas must be examined, assumptions tested and perspectives shared within the marketplace of national thought.”
He further stated that Nigeria’s strategy remains consultative and progressive, focusing on voluntary participation, skills acquisition and civic responsibility among young people.
Musa observed that while proponents of mandatory service often cite national unity, discipline and cohesion as benefits, such policies must take into account financial constraints and the broader social implications for youths.
He noted that strengthening the Armed Forces through improved technology, enhanced inter-service collaboration and operational efficiency remains central to the government’s defence reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also suggested that innovative hybrid approaches that broaden civic service options and voluntary reserve programmes may better align with Nigeria’s current realities.
At the event, the book’s author, Mohammed Abubakar, pointed out that countries such as Finland, Israel, South Korea and Singapore have adopted compulsory military service as part of their national security strategies.
He revealed that his survey indicated that 73.1 per cent of respondents supported mandatory military service, while 79.7 per cent believed it could help tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
Abubakar underscored the need for adequate manpower, technological advancement and sound governance, warning that without accountability and strong institutions, security initiatives would yield limited results.
