Defence Minister advocates compulsory military training for all Nigerians

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has proposed military training for every Nigerian citizen.

Musa made the proposal while speaking on the African Leadership Podcast with Ken Giami.

He said military training would give citizens a better understanding of the challenges faced by members of the Armed Forces.

According to him, undergoing military training would expose Nigerians to hunger, exhaustion, physical strain and the need for endurance.

“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. I can tell you for free, it will give you a different perspective about life. You will now understand what it means to stay hungry, what it means to walk in days without sleep,” he said.

Musa said the experience would also teach citizens how to continue despite physical exhaustion and difficult conditions.

“It will show you what endurance means, when you walk kilometres and you are tired but you still need to keep on going. You have not eaten, you have not taken one because of the nature of the thing and because you are doing it to protect,” he added.

The minister said military personnel put their lives at risk to protect the country and deserve greater understanding from citizens.

He said this was why he found it painful when people insult members of the Armed Forces or question the need for military operations.

Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, said military personnel continue to endure difficult conditions because of their responsibility to protect the country.