The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has commended a new publication examining the prospects of mandatory military service for Nigerian youths, describing it as a timely contribution to national discourse on youth development and security reform.
The book, titled “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths,” was unveiled in Abuja at an event attended by senior military officers, security chiefs and policy stakeholders.
Authored by Dr. Mohammed Abubakar and published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd., the 12-chapter, 228-page work explores the feasibility, implications and global models of compulsory national service.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Col. George Usibe, the minister clarified that Nigeria currently has no policy introducing mandatory military service.
However, he noted that the subject deserves careful and balanced examination.
He emphasised that Nigeria operates a professional volunteer military system, complemented by civic national service under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to him, global experience shows that contemporary security threats such as insurgency and terrorism require multifaceted responses that go beyond sheer manpower.
“Countries with both conscription and volunteer systems continue to face asymmetric threats, underscoring that effective governance and strong citizen-state relations are crucial,” he stated.
Musa explained that national service models across the world are shaped by constitutional arrangements, security environments, economic capacity and societal expectations.
While some countries retain mandatory military service as part of their defence architecture, many others operate professional volunteer forces supported by civic service and reserve systems.
“This diversity reflects the reality that no single model fits all contexts,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s policy outlook remains pragmatic, consultative and forward-looking.
He stressed that any consideration of mandatory service must align with constitutional principles and fiscal realities.
According to him, the current focus is on innovative hybrid approaches that combine civic service, skills acquisition and national integration in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and national unity.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Lt.-Col. Samuel Sanaje, commended the author for stimulating intellectual engagement on a sensitive but important national issue.
Security expert Dr. A.K. Peters presented a comparative analysis of mandatory military service in Finland, South Korea, and Israel, drawing lessons from their respective models.
He cautioned that compulsory service must not become exploitative or politicised.
“It must be structured to build, not burden, the youth. If designed poorly, it creates resentment; if designed well, it becomes a powerful nation-building tool,” Peters said.
According to him, Finland demonstrates the importance of reserves and preparedness; South Korea reflects the strength of shared national obligation; while Israel illustrates how structured service can shape innovation and national identity.
“Nigeria must not copy blindly. We must adapt wisely,” he advised, stressing that fairness, skill development, national integration and strong governance are essential pillars of any viable framework.
Another expert, Dr. Tijani Saraki, argued that the concept should not be misconstrued as an attempt to militarise society, but rather as a potential instrument for discipline, cohesion and structured nation-building.
He noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist tensions and transnational criminal networks, requiring bold but carefully designed responses.
In his remarks, the author, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, described the publication affectionately referred to as the “TY Buratai Book” — as a tribute to retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, whose contributions to Nigeria’s military and security architecture he described as significant.
Abubakar said the idea for the book was inspired by countries such as Finland, Israel, South Korea and Singapore, which he said have leveraged structured national service to instil patriotism, discipline and defence readiness among their youths.
“Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and armed group threats,” he said.
He disclosed that a survey conducted during the research for the book showed that 73.1 per cent of respondents believed mandatory military service is necessary for Nigerian youths, while 79.7 per cent felt it could help address pressing security challenges.
The General Manager of Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd., Mr. Philip Ikodor, praised the author for what he described as a thorough and thought-provoking work that enriches public debate.
While no policy shift is currently underway, the book launch has rekindled discussion on whether Nigeria should expand or restructure its national service framework to better address security challenges and harness the potential of its youthful population.
