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Nigeria’s House of Representatives is considering proposals to establish specialised military health service centres in Abuja and Lagos as part of a broader review of defence reform legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s armed forces and improving support for service personnel and veterans.
The proposal emerged during a two-day public hearing organised by the House Committee on Defence at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The hearing brought together lawmakers, senior military officers, security experts, academics, veterans and civil society representatives to examine a package of bills intended to modernise Nigeria’s defence framework.
Among the measures under consideration are proposals relating to military education, doctrine development, research, healthcare services and professional training within the Armed Forces.
At the hearing, the Africa Economic Forum (AEF) argued for the creation of dedicated Armed Forces Health Services Centres in Nigeria’s two largest cities.
The organisation said the facilities would help address medical conditions linked to military service and combat experience, while strengthening healthcare support for both active personnel and retired veterans.
Speaking before the committee, AEF Chief Engagement Officer Dr Hope Uweja said specialised military healthcare infrastructure was needed to address issues that differ from those typically managed within civilian health systems.
“Facilities to cater for the unique medical conditions of military personnel within the context of their combat experience are long overdue,” Uweja told lawmakers.
He pointed to military medical systems in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, arguing that dedicated military hospitals contribute to operational readiness by providing trauma care, rehabilitation services and treatment for conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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According to Uweja, specialised military medical centres could also support advanced medical research and provide additional capacity during public health emergencies.
The proposal forms part of wider discussions on how Nigeria can strengthen military welfare at a time when the country continues to confront multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and communal violence across several regions.
In a separate engagement linked to the legislative review, an AEF delegation led by Uweja met with the chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, to discuss proposals related to veterans’ welfare.
During the meeting, the organisation presented details of what it described as a Senior Life Initiative for Veterans, which it said aligns with the objectives of a proposed bill seeking to repeal the Nigerian Legion Act and establish a Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria.
The proposed legislation is intended to create a new framework for supporting military veterans, including addressing healthcare and welfare concerns.
Responding to the presentation, Benson said the committee would consider the organization’s proposals as lawmakers continue their review of the defense reform package.
The public hearing marks one of the most significant recent efforts by Nigeria’s parliament to examine reforms that could affect military healthcare, education and veterans’ support, areas that stakeholders argue require greater investment as security demands evolve.
