Reps advance bill mandating 15% female representation in armed forces

A bill seeking a minimum of 15 percent female representation in the armed forces has passed its second reading at the house of representatives.

The proposed legislation aims to amend the Armed Forces Act 2004 to ensure at least 15 percent of women are represented in the enlistment, recruitment, and appointment of service personnel.

Sponsor of the bill, Kafilat Ogbara, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Lagos, said it would address the “systemic underrepresentation” of women in the military by embedding gender equity into the legal and administrative framework in Nigeria’s armed forces.

In her legislative brief, the lawmaker said women’s participation in the armed forces remains significantly low, particularly in leadership and operational roles.

The legislator said the existing law lacks specific provisions guaranteeing gender inclusion or affirmative action in recruitment, training, and promotion.

“This has resulted in systemic underrepresentation of women, reinforced by cultural and institutional biases,” she said.

Ogbara said the United Nations Security Council resolution on women, peace and security and Nigeria’s national action plan, advocate increased participation of women in peace and security structures, including the military.

“These instruments highlight the importance of gender equity as a strategic imperative for operational effectiveness, legitimacy, and human rights compliance within the military,” she said.  

The lawmaker said to address these gaps, the proposed amendment seeks to introduce legally binding provisions guaranteeing a minimum of 15 percent female representation in the military.

Ogbara said if passed into law, the bill would establish a unit to monitor and maintain records of gender-responsive compliance.

“The inclusion of a gender-monitoring unit and systematic disaggregated data collation aligns with international best practices and Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to equality and non-discrimination under section 42 of the 1999 constitution,” she said.

Ogbara said the proposed amendment to the Armed Forces Act is not merely a legislative intervention but a call to justice, equity, and national progress.

Lawmakers unanimously voted in support of the bill when it was subjected to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.