Insecurity: Reps Move To Strengthen Armed Forces Command Structure, Others

The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a Bill for an Act to amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap.A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters (HB. 2536).

Sponsored by the Hon. Aminu Balele, Hon. Midala Usman, and Hon. Daniel Asama, the bill seeks to clarify the roles, responsibilities and command structure of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, ensuring effective coordination, discipline and operational efficiency.

Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, one of the sponsors, Hon. Usman said the proposed legislation will enhance the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces by clarifying roles and responsibilities and ensure that commands are followed to the ground while security issues are tackled within a short period of time with efficiency that is required.

“Mr. Speaker, honourable colleagues, you will agree with me that there are a few significances of this bill that it has become very necessary to amend this bill. One, we want to ensure that there is clarity to clarify the composition, command and operational responsibility of the Armed Forces.

“Two, to delineate the function of the Armed Forces Council, the Minister of Defence and the Service Chiefs, reinforce the command authority of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs and to ensure effective civilian oversight while maintaining the constitutional command structure.

“Mr. Speaker, honourable colleagues, it is important that in this life of our country we need to ensure that there is operational efficiency and that is why one of the benefits of this bill is to ensure that there is operational efficiency.

“The amendment provides for civilian oversight while maintaining the distinction between civilian and military role. It is important also to enhance accountability. The bill will promote accountability and discipline within the Armed Forces,” he argued..