The Nigerian military has dismissed a recent ruling by the National Industrial Court (NIC) that nullified a rule mandating personnel to serve a minimum of 15 years before resigning.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, explained that the Armed Forces Act, which governs the terms of service, remains in effect and must be followed by all personnel until it is formally amended or repealed.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the NIC, Abuja, had earlier declared the rule “unconstitutional and oppressive,” asserting that every employee, including members of the armed forces, has the constitutional right to resign at any time. The judge condemned the 15-year requirement as tantamount to “modern-day slavery in the name of national service.”
Reacting, Kangye said the military’s terms and conditions of service are clearly outlined in official documents and vary according to the category of personnel. These include regular cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy, graduate combatant cadets, direct short service officers for professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, as well as other commissioned officers.
He stated, “Whichever condition applies to a personnel, they must adhere to it. Unless the terms and conditions of service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are rewritten, we will continue to operate under the existing framework.”
The military’s position underscores its commitment to enforcing current regulations while awaiting any formal legislative changes to the Armed Forces Act.
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