The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to declare every January 15 as a national public holiday in honour and celebration of the Nigerian Armed Forces and to institutionalise national remembrance while strengthening civic appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel.
In a resolution following a motion by Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (APC, Lagos), the House asked the Committees on Defence, Interior, and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Interior and relevant stakeholders to ensure timely implementation.
Whingan said that for decades, the Nigerian Armed Forces have made extraordinary sacrifices to defend the nation’s sovereignty, protect citizens, confront threats, and maintain peace both domestically and internationally, adding that their qualities of courage, discipline, and professionalism has been a lasting source of national pride.
He acknowledged the day observed nationwide as Armed Forces Remembrance Day which commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970 and dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, celebrating serving personnel, and recognising the service and resilience of veterans who continue to contribute to national development.
He said declaring January 15 a national holiday would institutionalise national remembrance, create a unifying civic tradition, and strengthen the bond between Nigerians and the men and women of the Armed Forces whose sacrifices uphold our freedom, security, and democratic order.
According to him, “Over 70 countries across the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand, observe national holidays dedicated to Armed Forces or fallen heroes, ensuring sustained public awareness, civic education, and national unity rooted in shared history and gratitude.
He said the absence of a designated national holiday limits citizens’ participation in wreath-laying ceremonies, remembrance parades, military honour events, school-based civic lessons, and community led tributes, thereby weakens national consciousness of military history, reduces opportunities for intergenerational learning, and diminishes public recognition of the sacrifices that secure the nation.
Whingan said most Nigerian youths are unaware of the symbolism, and historical weight of January 15, thus contributing to a gradual cultural disconnect between civilians and military families.
He maintained that honouring the Armed Forces through a national holiday would promote deeper national identity, patriotism, and collective appreciation for military service, support the mental and emotional well-being of veterans who battle post-traumatic stress, physical disabilities, and assuring them that their sacrifices are not forgotten and the nation stands with them.
He stressed the importance of the Nigerian Armed Forces in addressing security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, illegal bunkering, piracy, and communal violence, adding that national recognition of their role enhances morale, fosters unity among personnel, and increases public awareness of their responsibilities in maintaining national security.
He said declaring January 15 a national holiday will promote national pride, unity, historical memory, and civic discipline in line with the values upheld by the Constitution, including Section 14(2)(b), which affirms that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
Deputy Speaker of the House asked the Lawmaker to bring an amended to the public holiday act so that the resolution be made part of the law to make it binding.