President Bola Tinubu has approved a ban on homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the Nigerian armed forces.
This ban is outlined in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which was signed by President Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
According to the revised terms and conditions, military personnel are prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality, as well as participating in activities associated with the LGBTQIA2S+ community or cross-dressing.
Additionally, personnel are barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behavior, and drunkenness on or off duty.
The revised terms and conditions also emphasize the importance of maintaining professional relationships within the military. For instance, personnel are forbidden from engaging in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses. As stated in the document, “An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse”.
Military personnel are obligated to pay financial dues, including vehicle licenses and insurance, on time. They are also prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties, as well as engaging in private businesses or misusing government property for personal gain.
Personnel are prohibited from accepting gifts, favors, or entertainment from junior officers or soldiers. As stated in the document, “An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, entertainments, etc, from officers junior to him in rank or from soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen”.
The punishments or disciplinary measures for violating these rules were not stated.
