President Bola Tinubu has approved a directive explicitly prohibiting Nigerian military personnel from engaging in activities such as homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and cross-dressing. This mandate is detailed in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which the President signed on December 16, 2024.
The updated regulations also forbid military members from affiliating with or participating in activities associated with groups identified by the acronym LGBTQIA2S+, encompassing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, and Two-Spirit individuals. Additionally, the directive bans body piercing, tattooing, disorderly conduct, and intoxication both on and off duty.
The document further prohibits officers from engaging in romantic relationships with subordinates or the spouses of fellow service members. It also mandates timely fulfillment of financial obligations, such as vehicle licensing and insurance, and explicitly forbids membership in secret societies or political parties.
While the directive outlines these prohibitions, it does not specify the penalties or disciplinary actions for personnel who violate these rules. This development underscores the Nigerian military’s stance on maintaining strict codes of conduct among its ranks.
It’s important to note that Nigeria has stringent laws against same-sex relationships. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2014, criminalizes same-sex marriages and public displays of same-sex relationships, reflecting the country’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
