Abuja – The Federal Government has no plans to introduce mandatory military service for Nigerian youths, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has declared.

Speaking at the presentation of the book “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths” in Abuja on Friday, the minister—represented by Deputy Director, Special Duties, Col. George Usibe—emphasized that Nigeria's defence strategy continues to rely on a professional volunteer armed forces model, bolstered by existing civic national service initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The event sparked renewed debate on youth involvement in national security amid ongoing challenges like insurgency, banditry, and terrorism across various regions. The book, authored by Mohammed Abubakar (also known as Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Sani), draws on global examples—including Finland, Israel, South Korea, and Singapore—where compulsory military service has been implemented to enhance defence capabilities.

Abubakar cited survey findings from his research showing strong public support: 73.1% of respondents favoured mandatory military service, while 79.7% believed it could help address insecurity. He argued that increased manpower, advanced technology, and better governance are essential to combat threats, warning that efforts would falter without accountability and robust institutions.

However, Gen. Musa made it clear that the publication, while a valuable contribution to national discourse on service, responsibility, and nation-building, does not represent government policy.

“Our Armed Forces operate as a professional volunteer military dedicated to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic, while supporting civil authorities in addressing internal security challenges,” the minister stated. “This professional force is complemented by civic national service through the National Youth Service Corps, which continues to play a vital role in promoting national integration, exposure, and youth engagement across our diverse federation.”

He noted that global practices vary, with many countries favouring volunteer professional forces supported by reserves, civic programs, and community frameworks over mandatory conscription.

Gen. Musa stressed that security challenges are not resolved by manpower models alone, highlighting the need for effective governance, strong institutions, and positive citizen-state relations.

While acknowledging the merits raised by advocates—such as fostering unity, discipline, civic consciousness, and a pool of trained citizens for emergencies—the minister cautioned that any consideration of mandatory service must weigh constitutional provisions, fiscal realities, institutional capacity, and socio-economic impacts on youths.

“The Federal Government recognises that scholarly inquiry and constructive public dialogue remain indispensable to policy evolution,” he added. “Nigeria’s policy direction remains pragmatic and consultative, with emphasis on expanding civic service opportunities, encouraging voluntary participation, and strengthening youth skills development in line with national development priorities.”

The minister described Nigeria's approach as forward-looking, potentially favouring innovative hybrid models that enhance voluntary reserves, youth skills acquisition, and community resilience—aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda's focus on human capital, national unity, and institutional strengthening.

Officials reiterated openness to evidence-based discussions on national service, but affirmed that compulsory military training is not on the current agenda.