Nigerian president Tinubu approves new military code, bans homosexuality, tattoos, cross-dressing

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping reforms to the Nigerian military’s code of conduct, imposing strict bans on behaviors such as homosexuality, cross-dressing, tattooing, body piercing, and other acts deemed unethical.

These changes are part of the newly revised Harmonized Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (HAF-TACOS), signed into effect on December 16, 2024.

The updated regulations explicitly state, “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.”

Additionally, tattooing and body piercing are now prohibited, as are drunkenness on or off duty and disorderly conduct such as public brawls. The rules also forbid officers from engaging in relationships with subordinates or their spouses, stating, “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/airwomen’s spouse.”

Other stipulations include mandatory payment of financial obligations like vehicle licenses and insurance, a ban on joining secret societies or political parties, and restrictions on private business ventures. Officers are also prohibited from misusing government property or leveraging their position for personal gain, with the document emphasizing, “An officer shall not engage in private business… or use government property, his name, position, and connection in ways that interfere with his official duties or bring discredit to the service.”

While military authorities argue that these reforms aim to preserve professionalism and align with the institution’s core values, critics have raised concerns about the restrictions on personal freedoms, particularly regarding tattoos and LGBTQ+ activities.

The lack of specified disciplinary measures for violators has also sparked debates about the interpretation and enforcement of the new rules. The revised code reflects efforts to enforce discipline within the armed forces but is likely to remain a subject of intense discussion in the months ahead.