Senate is in the process of repealing and reenacting the Nigeria’s Armed Forces act, Part which makes provisions to prohibit enlistment of persons below 18 years in the military.
This is in alignment with child right act and international humanitarian standards.
Other proposals in the bill seek extension of protections and rights to non commissioned officers to boost morale and fairness.
The bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua also seeks to reinforce the President’s constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief, and vests the day to day operational Comnand-in-Chief of Defence Staff.
When passed and assented to, qualified military lawyers will be able to represent the Armed Forces in civil courts.
-9News Nigeria.
