The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to declare January 15 a national public holiday in honour of the Nigerian Armed Forces, as part of efforts to institutionalise national remembrance and deepen public appreciation of the sacrifices of military personnel.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (APC, Lagos), with the House mandating its Committees on Defence, Interior and Legislative Compliance to engage the Federal Ministry of Interior and other relevant stakeholders to ensure implementation.
Moving the motion, Whingan said the Nigerian Armed Forces have, for decades, made immense sacrifices in defending the nation’s sovereignty, protecting citizens, confronting security threats and sustaining peace at home and abroad. He described their courage, discipline and professionalism as enduring symbols of national pride.
He noted that January 15 is already observed nationwide as Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marking the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, and dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, celebrating serving personnel and recognising veterans who continue to contribute to national development.
Whingan argued that designating the day as a public holiday would entrench national remembrance, foster a unifying civic tradition and strengthen ties between Nigerians and members of the Armed Forces whose sacrifices underpin freedom, security and democratic order.
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He said more than 70 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand, observe national holidays in honour of their armed forces or fallen heroes, promoting civic education, public awareness and national unity.
According to him, the absence of a public holiday in Nigeria limits citizens’ participation in remembrance activities such as wreath-laying ceremonies, parades, military honours, school-based civic lessons and community tributes, thereby weakening collective consciousness of military history.
Whingan added that many Nigerian youths are largely unaware of the symbolism and historical significance of January 15, a gap he said has contributed to a growing 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.
