Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has explained that the Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCOM) Establishment Bill, 2025, a bill seeking to establish a specialised medical college for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, is aimed at addressing the longstanding gap in our military healthcare system.
Rep Benson noted that a situation where there are only 189 medical doctors within the Nigerian Army which makes up over 60% of the armed forces of the country, is unfortunate. This situation, which he also said is prevalent in other arms of the forces, is untenable and must be addressed quickly.
Rep. Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency expressed the foregoing in a statement today:
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the AFCOM Establishment Bill, for second reading.
“Yesterday, I led the debate on a Bill that is critical to our national security and the welfare of our armed forces – the Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCOM) Establishment Bill, 2025, which scaled through Second Reading on the floor of the House successfully.
“This landmark Bill seeks to establish a premier medical institution dedicated to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, designed to address a deep and longstanding gap in our military healthcare system. Today, the Nigerian Army – which makes up over 60% of our armed forces – has only 189 doctors.
“ This alarming manpower shortage cuts across all the services, driven largely by the “japa” syndrome and the limited availability of trained specialists in military medicine.”
Benson, who is a third term lawmaker emphasised the bill is in line with the global best practices and strategic to national security.
“The AFCOM Bill offers a bold and innovative solution. It aligns with global best practices, creates a sustainable pipeline of military medical personnel, and introduces a system where students are enrolled as Medical Cadets. The institution will be insulated from industrial strikes and will provide specialised training tailored to the realities and demands of military medicine. Beyond training, AFCOM will become a centre for cutting-edge research into the health challenges frequently encountered by our troops.
“ I firmly believe this is both a strategic investment in Nigeria’s national security and a moral responsibility to the men and women who defend our nation. Its passage marks a decisive step towards ending the medical manpower crisis within our armed forces and positioning Nigeria alongside advanced military nations,” Rep. Benson said.”
