The Federal Government has refuted claims that it is considering compulsory military service for young Nigerians, clarifying that no such policy is underway.
The clarification was given on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of a book titled “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, dismissed the reports as unfounded.
Represented by Col. George Usibe, Deputy Director of Special Duties, the minister explained that Nigeria’s defence structure is anchored on a professional volunteer military, not conscription.
He stressed that the Armed Forces remain a voluntary institution committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and supporting civil authorities in times of internal security challenges.
The National Service
According to him, national service in Nigeria is strengthened through civic initiatives, particularly the National Youth Service Corps, which promotes unity, cultural integration and youth participation across the federation.
He noted that additional youth-driven and community-based programmes also contribute to building resilience and civic responsibility.
Musa pointed out that countries around the world adopt varying approaches to national service.
While some operate compulsory military systems, many others rely on professional volunteer forces supported by reserve frameworks and structured civic service schemes.
Nigeria, he said, firmly belongs to the latter category.
Security Challenges
He further argued that modern security challenges such as terrorism and insurgency cannot be resolved simply by increasing troop numbers.
Effective governance, strong institutions and healthy citizen–state relationships, he added, are equally vital components of sustainable national security.
Although he ruled out mandatory military training, the minister welcomed academic debate and policy discussions on the subject.
He emphasised that any future consideration of such a proposal would have to align with constitutional provisions, economic capacity and institutional readiness.
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The government, he concluded, remains open to evidence-based dialogue but has no plans to introduce compulsory military service at this time.