Reps Pass New Legislation to Strengthen Nigeria’s Defense Architecture

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the National Assembly is dedicated to fortifying Nigeria’s defence architecture through comprehensive legislative reforms designed to meet the country’s evolving security challenges.

During a Monday address that opened a two‑day public hearing on defence‑related bills organized by the House Committee on Defence at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Abbas described the proposed legislation as a strategic response to the nation’s deteriorating security situation.

According to the Speaker, the bills are a central element of the 10th House of Representatives’ legislative agenda and aim to create a more resilient, inclusive and effective military institution capable of addressing both conventional and emerging threats.

“It is my distinct honour to welcome you all to this important public hearing convened by the House Committee on Defence. The bills listed for consideration over the next two days are not mere legislative exercises. They are a direct response to the evolving security threats facing our beloved nation and the imperative to build a more resilient, inclusive and effective military institution,” Abbas said.

He noted that Nigeria continues to confront multiple security crises across various regions, placing immense pressure on the armed forces.

“We cannot pretend that our nation is at ease. From the relentless insurgency in the North‑East to the scourge of banditry and kidnapping in the North‑West, the farmer‑herder crises in the North‑Central, and the separatist agitations in the South‑East, our armed forces are stretched, yet they remain our first and last line of defence,” he stated.

“In addition, we face emerging threats: maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, cyber warfare and the nexus between organised crime and terrorism. It is against this backdrop that the 10th House of Representatives has resolved to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks that govern our military,” he said.

Abbas emphasized that the public hearing is intended to encourage broad stakeholder participation and informed contributions to the legislative process.

“This public hearing is not a rubber stamp. It is a platform for robust, evidence‑based engagement,” he added.

The hearing will examine several defence‑related bills aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness, accountability and capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in confronting the country’s increasingly complex security environment.