By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Tinubu has approved a ban on homosexuality within the Nigerian military.
The New Diplomat reports that this directive prohibits military personnel from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.
This directive is detailed in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which was signed into effect by Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
Additionally, the ban extends to participation in activities associated with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Agender, or Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) community.
Military personnel are also forbidden from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness, both on and off duty.
A copy of the document reads in part: “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.
“He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.
“An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty.
“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
“An officer shall pay all just financial obligations in a proper and timely manner, especially those imposed by law and mutual contract. It is a very serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, and other legal financial obligations. In the same vein, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.”
