The Nigerian government has officially prohibited military personnel from engaging in activities deemed contrary to the ethics and discipline of the armed forces, including involvement in LGBTQIA+ communities, cross-dressing, and tattooing.
This directive is part of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFCTCS), signed into effect by President Bola Tinubu in December 2024.
Key Provisions of the Ban
- Prohibited Activities
- Military personnel are barred from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, and participation in LGBTQIA+ activities, including cross-dressing.
- Tattoos, body piercings, drunkenness, and disorderly conduct are also prohibited, whether on or off duty.
- Amorous Relationships
- Officers are forbidden from entering into romantic relationships with subordinates or their spouses, emphasizing the importance of professional boundaries.
- Financial Responsibility
- Personnel must meet financial obligations, including vehicle licensing and insurance, in a timely manner. Issuing dud cheques is a serious offence under the new rules.
- Personnel must meet financial obligations, including vehicle licensing and insurance, in a timely manner. Issuing dud cheques is a serious offence under the new rules.
- Membership Restrictions
- Officers are banned from joining secret societies or political parties and are prohibited from participating in any related activities, even in an observatory capacity.
- Private Businesses and Government Property
- Military personnel are restricted from engaging in private businesses or using government resources for personal gain.
- Acceptance of Gifts
- Accepting gifts or favors from subordinates is strictly forbidden.
Enforcing Discipline
The revised HAFCTCS emphasizes the importance of preserving the dignity and discipline of the armed forces, warning that actions bringing discredit to the military will not be tolerated. However, the document does not detail specific disciplinary measures for violations, raising questions about enforcement mechanisms.
Strategic Timing
A military source suggested that President Tinubu’s approval of the revised terms was strategically timed, coinciding with the final days of Joe Biden’s administration and the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as the United States President on January 20, 2025.
The source noted that Trump’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues would likely prevent sanctions against Nigeria for these military regulations, contrasting with the Biden administration’s focus on human rights.
“Tinubu knew what he was doing; Trump will not impose sanctions on Nigeria for banning gays in the military,” the source told Sahara Reporters.
Broader Implications
While the revised HAFCTCS reflects efforts to enforce discipline within the armed forces, the lack of clarity on punishment for violators and the broader implications for human rights have sparked debate. Critics argue that the rules may infringe on individual freedoms, while supporters emphasize the importance of maintaining military ethics and discipline.
