Defence Minister Musa Wants Military Training For Every Nigerian

• Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has called for every Nigerian to undergo military training, arguing that such an experience would give citizens a deeper understanding of the demands, discipline and sacrifices associated with defending the country.

• Musa said military training exposes personnel to extreme physical demands, including hunger, exhaustion, prolonged periods without sleep and long-distance movement.

• He also expressed concern over Nigerians who insult or dismiss military personnel without appreciating the risks they face.

September 23, () – Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has called for every Nigerian citizen to undergo military training, saying such exposure would help civilians understand the hardship, discipline and sacrifices required of members of the Armed Forces.

Musa made the proposal while featuring on the African Leadership Podcast, hosted by Ken Giami, where he spoke extensively about military service, national security and the need for Nigerians to better appreciate the responsibilities shouldered by members of the Armed Forces.

The minister, who previously served as Chief of Defence Staff, said military training would give Nigerians firsthand exposure to the physical and psychological demands faced by soldiers, particularly those deployed in difficult operational environments.

According to him, the experience of enduring hunger, exhaustion, sleep deprivation and prolonged physical exertion would provide civilians with a different perspective on life and a better understanding of what military personnel endure in the course of protecting the country.

“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,” Musa said.

He explained that military training teaches participants to continue functioning under difficult circumstances, even when they are physically exhausted, hungry, or deprived of normal comforts.

“You will now understand what it means to stay hungry, what it means to walk in days without sleep. 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 said.

Soldiers’ Sacrifice

Musa said the central lesson of such training would be an appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel on behalf of the wider population.

He argued that soldiers routinely accept difficult conditions and personal danger because of their responsibility to protect the country and its citizens.

The Defence Minister also expressed concern over the attitude of some Nigerians towards military personnel, particularly what he described as insults and criticism directed at soldiers without sufficient appreciation of the conditions under which they operate.

He said the public should understand that members of the Armed Forces place their lives at risk while carrying out their duties.

“Just like what the Bible says that there’s no greater friend than he who will give his life for his friend. And that’s exactly what the military men are doing, putting their lives at stake for their country to move around,” Musa said.

His comments underline the extent to which he believes the gap between civilian perception and military experience contributes to misunderstanding of the Armed Forces and their operations.

Musa maintained that firsthand exposure to military discipline and hardship could make citizens more conscious of the responsibilities associated with national security and the sacrifices required to preserve the country’s territorial integrity.