President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service, which effectively bans members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) from participating in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group, as well as cross-dressing.
The President assented to the law on December 16, 2024, according to reports.
By this law, Nigerian military personnel are not only banned from participating in activities of the LGBTQIA2S+ group but also from tattooing, body piercing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness when on or off duty.
“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality,” the law states categorically.
“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.”
Nigeria criminalises homosexuality and frowns upon other activities of the LGBTQIA2S+ group.
Many members of the group have decried discrimination and victimisation not only from security agencies but also from other members of society.
