The Federal Government has ruled out any plan to introduce mandatory military training for Nigerian youths, reaffirming its commitment to a professional volunteer armed forces model supported by civic national service programmes.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, made the clarification amid growing public debate on defence reforms and youth participation in national security, driven by persistent security challenges across several parts of the country.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the presentation of a book titled “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths”, the minister stressed that compulsory military service does not form part of the current government policy. He was represented at the event by Col. George Usibe, Deputy Director, Special Duties, in the Ministry of Defence.

Musa explained that while the publication contributes meaningfully to national discourse on service, responsibility and nation-building, it does not reflect the official position of the government.

According to him, Nigeria’s security framework is anchored on a professional volunteer military, complemented by civic national service initiatives, particularly the National Youth Service Corps, which he said continues to promote national integration and youth engagement.

“Across the world, approaches to national service vary considerably. While a number of countries maintain mandatory military service as part of their defence architecture, a larger proportion operate professional volunteer armed forces supported by civic national service, reserve systems and community preparedness frameworks,” the minister said.

He added that Nigeria’s Armed Forces remain a professional volunteer force dedicated to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also supporting civil authorities in addressing internal security challenges.

“It is therefore important to state clearly that there is presently no policy to introduce mandatory military service in Nigeria,” Musa said.

The defence minister further noted that global experiences have shown that security challenges such as insurgency and terrorism are not determined solely by manpower models, but also by effective governance, capable institutions and strong citizen–state relations.

While ruling out compulsory military training, Musa said the government remains open to scholarly research and constructive public dialogue on national service, stressing that any future policy consideration must be guided by constitutional provisions, economic realities and institutional capacity.

He added that Nigeria’s policy direction remains pragmatic and consultative, with emphasis on expanding civic service opportunities, encouraging voluntary participation and strengthening youth skills development in line with national development priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, the author of the book, Mohammed Abubakar, said countries such as Finland, Israel, South Korea and Singapore have adopted mandatory military service as a means of strengthening national security.

Abubakar disclosed that a survey conducted during his research showed that 73.1 per cent of respondents supported mandatory military service, while 79.7 per cent believed it could help address insecurity in Nigeria.

He also emphasised the need for increased manpower, advanced technology and improved governance, warning that without accountability and strong institutions, security interventions would remain ineffective.