THE FORCES ACTS (AMENDMENT) DECREE, 1966
Decree · Security
Policy date: 1966-01-01
A Decree amends the Acts governing the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force to update and harmonise their legal framework. It targets the armed forces command structure, military courts, and service personnel subject to military law. This ensures consistency across the services.
THE FORCES ACTS (AMENDMENT) DECREE, 1966
What Is This Policy?
A 1966 military decree amending the various service-specific Acts governing the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as part of the post-coup military government's reform of the armed forces legal framework. Nigerian Army Act; Nigerian Navy Act; Nigerian Air Force Act 1950 (all being amended); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sections 217-218 on the Armed Forces); Armed Forces Act (which subsequently consolidated these service statutes)
Nigerian Armed Forces command structure Military courts and courts martial Ministry of Defence Service personnel subject to military law
Who Does It Target?
Officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military chain of command administering discipline and courts-martial. The Federal Government as the constitutional authority over the armed forces. Courts and tribunals adjudicating military offences under the Forces Acts.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Update and harmonise the legal framework governing the three service branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the wake of the 1966 military government.
Key Features
Amendment Provisions: Updates specific provisions of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts. Harmonisation: Seeks to harmonise provisions across the three service branches. Discipline: Updates disciplinary provisions for armed forces personnel. Command: Clarifies command and control provisions.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Largely superseded by Armed Forces Act Coverage: Nigerian Armed Forces Beneficiaries: Military legal framework consistency Funding: Ministry of Defence
How to Access
Historical reference — current framework is the Armed Forces Act Application method: Engage Ministry of Defence for current armed forces legal matters.
Important Terms
The Armed Forces Act is the current comprehensive legislation for all service branches This 1966 Decree's provisions have been incorporated or superseded Military courts martial continue to operate under the Armed Forces Act
Official Resources
Website: https://www.defence.gov.ng Contact: Ministry of Defence
Legal Framework
Nigerian Army Act; Nigerian Navy Act; Nigerian Air Force Act 1950 (all being amended); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sections 217-218 on the Armed Forces); Armed Forces Act (which subsequently consolidated these service statutes)