The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called for a careful and balanced approach to any proposal on mandatory military service for Nigerian youths, stressing that such a policy must align with constitutional provisions, institutional capacity, and the country’s socio economic realities.
He said the ongoing conversation about structured youth service is timely, given Nigeria’s growing youthful population and the persistent security challenges facing the nation.
Musa made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during the presentation of the book Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths. He emphasised the need for broad national dialogue on youth development, civic responsibility, and national security.
According to him, effectively harnessing the energy, creativity, and patriotism of young Nigerians is essential to promoting peace, national cohesion, and sustainable development.
The minister, who was represented at the event by Colonel Egbe George Usibe, Deputy Director of Special Duties in the Office of the Minister, noted that different countries adopt varying models of national service based on their unique historical, political, and security contexts.
He maintained that any decision regarding mandatory military service in Nigeria must be carefully studied and widely consulted to ensure it serves the best interests of the nation and its future generations.