The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards gender equity in Nigeria’s military institutions by passing for second reading a bill aimed at amending the Armed Forces Act to enforce a minimum of 15% female representation in recruitment, enlistment, and appointments.
The proposed amendment, known as the Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara. It seeks to institutionalise gender inclusion within the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, sectors historically dominated by men, by introducing legal mechanisms for affirmative action in both military operations and administration.
In her lead debate, Hon. Ogbara underscored the urgent necessity of closing the gender gap within the armed forces, especially in command and combat roles.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria play a central role in safeguarding national security, but our current legal framework lacks specific provisions for gender inclusion. This bill is not just about equity; it is a national security imperative,” she declared.
If enacted, the legislation will embed a guaranteed 15% female quota at every level of military intake and advancement.
It also proposes the creation of a gender-responsive compliance structure to oversee military practices, from training and postings to accommodation, logistics, and discipline.
Additionally, the bill seeks to establish a gender-monitoring unit to track personnel data, ensure compliance, and maintain detailed records disaggregated by gender.
These reforms are set to be anchored in a newly crafted section under Section 1 of the Armed Forces Act, transforming gender inclusion from a policy preference to a binding legal standard.
Hon. Ogbara highlighted the international and national frameworks backing the initiative, including Nigeria’s commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, and the country’s own National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
She also referenced Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on equality.
“This amendment brings us into alignment with our international obligations and our constitutional duty to guarantee equality and non-discrimination,” she explained.
Far from being a mere quota, the bill represents a structural shift in how gender sensitivity is integrated into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The proposed compliance programme will inform decision-making on personnel management across the board, promoting inclusivity at every operational level.
Hon. Ogbara argued that inclusive military structures will not only foster justice and fairness but also enhance the armed forces’ overall effectiveness and professionalism.
“This Bill is a call to justice, equity, and national progress. By supporting it, we signal a commitment to inclusive governance and military excellence,” she stated.
Comprising three clauses, the bill will now proceed to the next stages of the legislative process.
Should it pass into law, it would signify a landmark move toward achieving gender parity in one of Nigeria’s most traditionally male-dominated sectors.
