Emmanuel OchayiNigeria’s military has implemented strict new regulations prohibiting homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other activities deemed unethical, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval.
Ban on Homosexuality and Cross-Dressing
The revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024, explicitly bans homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality among military personnel. The document, obtained by reporters, states, “An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe/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.”
Restrictions on Body Piercing, Tattooing, and Disorderly Behaviour
Military personnel are also barred from body piercing and tattooing. The directive emphasizes, “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.”
Prohibition of Amorous Relationships with Subordinates
The document further forbids officers from engaging in romantic relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
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It specifies, “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.”
Financial Obligations and Secret Societies
The updated terms also require military personnel to fulfil their financial obligations, such as vehicle licensing and insurance, promptly. Officers are strictly prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties. The directive notes, “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. An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities concerned with such societies or parties even in observatory capacities.”
Restrictions on Private Business and Acceptance of Gifts
Military personnel are also banned from engaging in private business or using government property for personal gain. The conditions state, “An officer shall not engage in private business.
He shall not use or be allowed to use government property, his name, position, and connection in any way with commercial enterprises outside employment or activity with or without compensation, which interfere or has the tendency of interfering with his official duty or which may be reasonably expected to bring discredit to the Service.
An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, entertainments, etc, from officers junior to him in rank or from soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen.”
Disciplinary Measures Not Stated
Although these new regulations are stringent, the specific punishments or disciplinary actions for personnel who violate these rules were not disclosed in the document.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
