The Federal Government has no plans to introduce mandatory military service for Nigerian youths, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has clarified.
Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of the book “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths”, Musa, represented by Col. George Usibe, Deputy Director of Special Duties, said Nigeria will continue to rely on a professional volunteer armed forces complemented by civic service programs, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He emphasized that while security challenges such as insurgency and terrorism remain persistent, compulsory service is not the solution. “Our Armed Forces are a professional volunteer force, dedicated to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty while supporting internal security operations. Civic programs like the NYSC continue to play a vital role in promoting national integration, youth engagement, and community resilience”, Musa said.
The minister added that global experiences show that national security depends on effective governance, strong institutions, and citizen–state cooperation rather than simply manpower models. He reaffirmed that scholarly research and public debate on national service are welcome, but any policy changes must align with constitutional provisions, economic realities, and institutional capacity.
Musa noted, “The broader debate on national service highlights aspirations such as unity, discipline, civic consciousness, and trained citizens for emergencies. However, policy decisions must balance ambition with feasibility and national needs with institutional readiness”.
He suggested that Nigeria could strengthen civic engagement and youth participation through voluntary reserve programs, expanded civic service opportunities, skills development, and community-based initiatives, all consistent with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Author Mohammed Abubakar, who presented the book, cited countries like Finland, Israel, South Korea, and Singapore as examples where mandatory service has been used to enhance national security. His survey found that 73.1% of respondents supported mandatory military service, and 79.7% believed it could help address insecurity.
Abubakar stressed, however, that without strong institutions, accountability, and technological investment, security initiatives would remain limited in impact.
