The Nigerian Senate has taken a landmark step in military justice reform by approving for second reading a bill that would allow civil courts to review convictions issued by military tribunals. The legislation aims to bring Nigeria’s Armed Forces Act in line with democratic standards, judicial fairness, and constitutional accountability.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina), the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, would repeal Nigeria’s existing military legal framework—originally derived from 1960s decrees and last codified in 2004—and replace it with a modern system more compatible with democratic norms.
A central provision of the bill mandates that convictions handed down by military tribunals be subject to judicial review in civil courts, effectively opening a new avenue for accused military personnel to challenge their sentences.
Supporters argue the reform is long overdue. Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) criticised the current system, pointing out that boards of inquiry have functioned both as judge and jury in some cases, a violation of basic legal principles. “You cannot be a judge in your own cause,” Monguno said, welcoming the bill as a way to restore fairness in military proceedings.
The bill also addresses other contentious issues. It proposes replacing outdated fixed fines — some as low as ₦200 or ₦500 — with salary-based sanctions; strengthening protections for lower-ranking soldiers; and criminalising undue interference by commanders in courts-martial.
One of the more socially significant clauses bans the recruitment of persons under 18 into the military, aligning Nigeria’s enlistment age with the Child Rights Act and international humanitarian standards.
If passed, the legislation is expected to deepen civilian oversight over the military. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the reform as timely, emphasizing that “our laws should evolve with the times” and that the military must operate fully under the rule of law.
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force, and Navy, with lawmakers directed to report back within four weeks. The reform, if realised, could become one of the most significant shifts in civil-military relations in Nigeria’s recent history.
