The Defence Headquarters has declared that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to enforce the controversial 15-year minimum service requirement for personnel seeking voluntary exit, despite a recent court judgment striking down the rule as unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ruled against the provision contained in the military’s Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service, describing it as a violation of fundamental rights.
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by Flight Lieutenant J.A. Akerele against the Nigerian Air Force, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that the regulation amounted to “modern-day slavery under the guise of national service.”
The court concluded that no citizen can be compelled to remain in service against their will.