President Bola Tinubu has signed off on a ban prohibiting military personnel in Nigeria from engaging in homos*xuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other behaviors deemed unethical under the armed forces’ revised code of conduct.
The ban is outlined in Section 26 of the updated Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, approved by the President on December 16, 2024.
According to Punch, the new guidelines also prohibit body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behavior, drunkenness, and other actions considered inappropriate for military officers, both on and off duty.
The document states:
“An officer must not engage in homos*xuality, lesbianism, or bestiality. He/she is prohibited from belonging to or participating in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bis*xual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Inters*x, As*xual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) community, or cross-dressing, among other acts.”
It further adds: “An officer must not engage in body piercing or tattooing of any part of the body. An officer shall not partake in disorderly behavior, brawling, or any action that could cause public disgrace. An officer must not be intoxicated at any time, whether on or off duty.”
The revised guidelines also forbid amorous relationships between officers and their subordinates or their subordinates’ spouses.
“An officer shall not engage in any romantic relationship with any soldier, rating, airman, airwoman, or the spouse of a fellow officer or subordinate,” the document specifies.
Additional Restrictions
The updated terms emphasize financial accountability, barring officers from neglecting legal financial obligations such as vehicle licensing and insurance.
“An officer shall pay all just financial obligations promptly, especially those imposed by law or mutual contract. Failure to license or insure a vehicle, or issuing a dud cheque, constitutes a serious offense.”
Membership in secret societies or political parties is also prohibited.
“An officer shall not hold membership in any secret society or political party. Participation in activities related to such societies or parties, even in observatory capacities, is forbidden.”
Cultural or traditional religious societies, however, are excluded from this prohibition, provided they are not secretive in nature.
Business Ventures and Use of Government Property
The code explicitly bans officers from engaging in private businesses or using government resources for personal gain.
“An officer shall not engage in private business or use government property, position, or connections for commercial purposes, whether compensated or not, in ways that interfere with official duties or discredit the Service.”
Additionally, officers are barred from accepting gifts, favors, or entertainment from junior officers or subordinates.
While the revised code details prohibited behaviors, it does not specify the disciplinary measures for personnel found in violation of these rules.
