The Nigerian government has banned military personnel from engaging in activities considered contrary to the ethics of the service, such as involvement with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, or Agender (LGBTQIA+) community, as well as cross-dressing.
Additionally, personnel are barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly conduct and drunkenness, whether on or off duty.
The directive is outlined in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAFCTCS), which was officially signed into effect by President Bola Tinubu in December 2024.
“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, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others,” the document said.
Military personnel are also forbidden from entering into amorous relationships with subordinates or their spouses.
The document specifically highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, stating: “An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier, rating, airman, airwoman, or their spouses.”
It noted that other key regulations include the obligation for personnel to fulfill financial obligations such as vehicle licensing and insurance on time. Failure to do so is considered a serious offence, as is the issuance of dud cheques.
The revised terms also prohibit officers from joining secret societies or political parties.
“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,” the document notes.
In addition, military personnel are banned from engaging in private businesses or misusing government property for personal gain. Officers are also restricted from accepting gifts or favors from their subordinates.
The document warns that actions that bring discredit to the armed forces will not be tolerated, though it does not specify the disciplinary measures for violations.
However, the lack of clarity on the consequences for violations has sparked questions about how these rules will be enforced in practice.
Trump, known for his conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues and other matters, is set to be sworn into office on January 20.
