VISITING FORCES ACT
Act · Security
An Act regulates the legal status of foreign armed forces visiting Nigeria, including their jurisdiction and immunities for joint exercises. It targets foreign military personnel and Nigerian authorities hosting them. This protects Nigeria's sovereignty while enabling effective military cooperation.
VISITING FORCES ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act regulating the presence and legal status of foreign armed forces visiting Nigeria, including their jurisdiction, immunities, and the framework for joint military exercises and training.
Who Does It Target?
Foreign armed forces on official visits or exercises in Nigeria Ministry of Defence handling visiting force arrangements Nigerian Armed Forces hosting allied forces Courts dealing with visiting force jurisdiction issues
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Define the legal status and jurisdictional arrangements for foreign military personnel visiting Nigeria, protecting both Nigerian sovereignty and the operational effectiveness of visiting forces.
Key Features
Visiting Force Status: Defines the legal status of foreign armed forces on official visits in Nigeria. Jurisdiction: Allocates criminal jurisdiction between Nigeria and the sending state for offences by visiting force members. Immunities: Grants prescribed immunities to visiting forces while in Nigeria on official duty. Claims: Provides a framework for settling civil claims arising from visiting force activities.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — applies whenever foreign forces are officially present in Nigeria Coverage: Official visits and exercises by foreign armed forces Beneficiaries: International defence cooperation; bilateral military relations Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Visiting forces must operate within the terms of the bilateral agreement and this Act Claims against visiting forces filed through Ministry of Defence Visiting force personnel subject to Nigerian law for serious crimes not covered by immunity Application method: Military cooperation: engage Ministry of Defence.
Important Terms
Immunity does not extend to serious criminal offences The sending state is responsible for disciplining its personnel for internal offences Nigerian courts retain jurisdiction over crimes against Nigerians not covered by immunity
Official Resources
Website: https://www.defence.gov.ng Contact: Ministry of Defence
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 LFN 2004, the Status of Forces Agreement provisions under bilateral defence treaties, the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act 2004, and the NATO SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) as a comparative international instrument.