House of Reps Member Akin Alabi set to challenge law which bans Nigerians from wearing camouflage

Popular House of Representatives member Akin Alabi, has shared his intention to seek a bill to repeal the law that prohibits Nigerians from wearing camouflage.

The CEO of Nairabet said that the bill didn’t make sense and that it had become archaic and unnecessary. 

He however noted that a senator had already pushed a similar bill hence he couldn’t act until the outcome of that situation.

He wrote:

WEARING CAMOUFLAGE IN NIGERIA 

Nigeria is one of the countries where it is illegal to wear a military camouflage. Some other countries are Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua and others

How does this make sense?

#THREAD

I get a lot of messages from young Nigerians complaining about being harassed by soldiers because they wore military camouflage. While I don’t agree it makes sense, it is clearly stated in our laws that it is illegal to wear a camouflage or any clothings worn by the military.

Section 110(1), Criminal Code states that it is illegal for non military person to wear the uniform of the armed forces, or any part of the uniform of such forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of such uniforms.

There are two exceptions. You can wear it if you have the approval from a governor of the president. The other option is if you wear it during an entertainment performance, like in a Nollywood movie or a music video. The penalty for this is 1 month imprisonment or a fine of N10.

So the law is clear. Do not wear a camouflage. But does the law make sense? I’m sure some people will argue it does. Many will say it doesn’t. I’m one of those that say it doesn’t and I thought it would make a lot of sense to repeal that law.

Not only is it an archaic law, one major reason why I believe the law has to be repealed is because many soldiers ride on the law to abuse the rights Nigerians. We have heard numerous cases of Nigerians being beaten for wearing the camouflage.

I decided to put together a bill so we can repeal this law but I gathered that a distinguished Senator has already submitted a similar bill. I will be waiting for it’s progress. If nothing happens in a few months, I will push mine. For now, I wait.

See tweets below 

 READ: I will beat up any soldier that tries me – Speed Darlington fumes as he steps out in camouflage in Nigeria