ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has advocated for universal mandatory military training across Nigeria, arguing that exposing citizens to the rigors of military discipline and endurance would transform national civic consciousness and deepen public appreciation for the Armed Forces.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Abuja, General Musa asserted that undergoing basic military orientation would afford ordinary citizens firsthand insight into the severe physical and psychological sacrifices demanded of troops deployed across volatile combat zones.
Highlighting the harsh conditions under which security personnel operate, the Defence Minister emphasized that military training equips individuals to push beyond personal comfort zones, instilling resilience in the face of exhaustion, deprivation, and adversity. He noted that such immersion would foster empathy and curb public hostility or casual criticism aimed at servicemen and women who risk their lives daily to maintain national peace and territorial integrity.
Musa explained that experiencing the reality of military operations—where personnel endure relentless weather, sleep deprivation, and isolation from families—would reshape societal values and build a more disciplined, unified citizenry capable of supporting broader national security efforts.
While acknowledging public debate surrounding citizen involvement in national defense, military officials clarified that the minister’s advocacy reflects a broad vision for civic discipline and nation-building rather than an immediate statutory transition from Nigeria’s current volunteer military framework. The proposal comes amid ongoing federal efforts to combat regional security challenges while expanding civil-military cooperation across the country.
