The House of Representatives has begun considering a bill to reform the command and operational structure of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The proposed legislation aims to enhance discipline, accountability, and efficiency within the military. Sponsored by lawmakers Aminu Balele, Midala Usman, and Daniel Asama, the bill seeks to update the existing Armed Forces Act, which has remained largely unchanged for years.
Leading the debate, Rep. Usman argued that the current law no longer addresses modern security threats like terrorism and insurgency. The reforms would clearly define military roles, streamline the command structure, and strengthen the coordination authority of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Usman stated that the bill would “deepen professionalism, boost operational efficiency, and promote greater accountability.” He urged his colleagues to support the bill, describing it as vital for repositioning the military to tackle contemporary security challenges.
The bill passed its first reading in October 2025 and has now been debated for a second reading.
