President Bola Tinubu Signs Directive Banning Homosexuality, Lesbianism And Cross-Dressing in Nigerian Military

President Bola Tinubu has approved a ban on homosexuality, lesbianism, and other forms of behavior deemed unethical within the Nigerian military. This directive is outlined in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which was signed on December 16, 2024

Punch reports that the ban is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024. Military personnel are equally barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.

The revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service 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, Bis#xual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, As#xual 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.”

The condition of service also forbids the involvement of officers in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.

“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, ” it stated.

The military personnel are obligated to pay financial dues, including vehicle licenses and insurance on time, while they are prohibited from joining secret societies or political parties.

Additionally, the directive prohibits military personnel from engaging in amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses, and from joining secret societies or political parties