Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for every Nigerian to undergo military training, saying such exposure would help citizens better understand the sacrifices and responsibilities involved in protecting the country.
Musa made the proposal during an appearance on the African Leadership Podcast with Ken Giami, released on Monday.
According to the Defence Minister, military training would give Nigerians a deeper understanding of endurance, discipline and the physical demands faced by members of the armed forces.
He said the experience of going without food, enduring exhaustion, walking long distances and working without adequate sleep could help people appreciate the realities of military service. Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. It will give you a different perspective about life, Musa said.
The Defence Minister also drew attention to the risks soldiers face while carrying out their duties, saying military personnel routinely put their lives on the line to protect the country.
He compared the sacrifices of soldiers to the biblical principle of giving one’s life for another, stressing that members of the armed forces accept significant personal risks in the course of their service.
Musa appealed to Nigerians to remember that soldiers are also fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and members of families who leave their loved ones behind when deployed.
He said military personnel often operate in difficult conditions, including rain, dust and extreme weather, while remaining at their posts to help secure the country.
Musa also linked increased infiltration across Nigeria’s borders to the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from the regional bloc, according to the report.
He said Nigeria was strengthening bilateral relationships with neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, as part of efforts to improve security along the country’s borders.
The minister’s proposal comes amid continuing discussions about how Nigeria can strengthen national security, improve public understanding of military service and deepen cooperation between citizens and the armed forces.
