In a significant policy move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which imposes strict behavioral guidelines on Nigerian military personnel.
The law, enacted on December 16, prohibits members of the Armed Forces from engaging in activities linked to the LGBTQIA2S+ community, cross-dressing, tattooing, body piercing, and other behaviors deemed “disorderly.”
The directive also emphasizes professional decorum, banning drunkenness and brawling, whether on or off duty. According to the document, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, or belong to LGBTQIA2S+ groups. Cross-dressing, tattooing, and other forms of behavior viewed as public disgrace are prohibited.”
This development underscores Nigeria’s entrenched stance against homosexuality, which remains criminalized under national law.
The military code aims to enforce discipline and align personnel conduct with societal norms, though critics argue it exacerbates discrimination against LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and other marginalized groups.
Members of Nigeria’s LGBTQIA2S+ community have expressed concerns over increased stigmatization and potential abuses stemming from the directive. Activists have called for a review, urging a balance between discipline and human rights.
This policy shift highlights ongoing tensions between cultural conservatism and advocacy for inclusivity, sparking debates about the role of morality in professional codes of conduct within national institutions.