Pres. Bola Tinubu approves ban on homosexuality, cross dressing in military.
Nigerian military personnel have been strictly banned from participating in activities such as homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other behaviours considered unethical by the armed forces.
The updated regulations also prohibit tattoos, body piercings, unruly conduct, and intoxication, whether on duty or off.
These restrictions are outlined in Section 26 of the newly revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, approved by President Bola Tinubu on 16 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 or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.
An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body.
An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty.
An officer shall not engage in any amorous relationship with any soldier/rating/airman/airwoman, fellow officer’s or soldier’s/rating’s/airmen’s/air women’s spouse,“ it stated.
