National Affairs
Analysis: Why Military Recruitment Appears Lower in Nigeria’s South-East
Every recruitment cycle into the Nigerian Army revives a familiar concern. While thousands of young Nigerians from many parts of the country compete for limited enlistment slots, recruitment figures from several states in the South-East have consistently lagged behind allocated quotas, prompting repeated appeals from military authorities.
Senior Army officers have on several occasions urged youths from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to take advantage of recruitment opportunities, warning that available slots often remain unfilled. The issue has generated debate across the country, raising an important question:
Why do relatively fewer young people from the South-East apply for military service?
The answer is unlikely to be found in a single explanation.
Instead, analysts point to a combination of history, public perception, security concerns, economic realities and trust in state institutions.
Army’s Concern Over Low Applications
Over the past decade, the Nigerian Army has repeatedly disclosed that some South-East states fail to exhaust their recruitment allocations.
Officials have argued that the situation could reduce the region’s representation within the military over time and have encouraged community leaders, traditional rulers and state governments to motivate eligible youths to enlist.
Military authorities insist that recruitment remains open to all qualified Nigerians and have rejected suggestions of institutional exclusion.
Historical Experiences Continue to Shape Perceptions
For many observers, understanding recruitment patterns requires acknowledging history.
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) remains a defining event in the relationship between many South-East communities and the Nigerian state.
Although more than five decades have passed, memories of the conflict continue to influence political discussions, family narratives and perceptions of national institutions.
Some analysts argue that these historical experiences contribute to lingering mistrust among sections of the population, although they caution against assuming that all South-Easterners share the same views.
An Alternative Perspective
Offering another perspective on the debate, human rights lawyer and activist Aloy Ejimakor argues that historical experiences and more recent security operations have significantly influenced how many young people in the South-East perceive military service.
In a post published on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ejimakor said the legacy of the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War continues to shape attitudes among many Igbo youths.
“The trauma of the 1967 army massacres of Ndigbo in the North remains an unhealed wound, constantly reopened by modern atrocities targeting youths suspected of IPOB ties, such as the state-sanctioned violence at Nkpor, the Aba prayer ground, Obigbo, the Trump victory rally in Port Harcourt, and many others,” he wrote.
Ejimakor further argued that the reported reintegration of some former Boko Haram members into society and security-related programmes has deepened scepticism among sections of the South-East.
“To ask them to bleed under a biased command, alongside former terrorists, is a compromise of dignity they refuse to make. So, their reluctance to enlist is not cowardice. Instead, it is a quiet, powerful protest against an institution that has often betrayed Ndigbo,” he stated.
His comments reflect one side of a broader national debate. The Nigerian military has consistently maintained that recruitment into the armed forces is open to all eligible Nigerians regardless of ethnicity or region, and that personnel are expected to uphold professionalism and national unity. The military has also repeatedly denied allegations of institutional bias, insisting that its operations are conducted in line with the Constitution and applicable rules of engagement.
Security Operations and Public Confidence
Another frequently cited factor is the impact of recent security operations in parts of the South-East.
Military deployments to tackle separatist violence and criminal activities have sometimes generated controversy, with civil society organisations raising concerns over alleged human rights violations during security operations.
While the military has maintained that its operations target criminal elements and are conducted within the law, some residents say such experiences have affected public perceptions of military service.
Security experts note that confidence in any institution often influences willingness to join it.
Economic Aspirations Have Changed
Employment choices among young people are also evolving.
Many graduates now prioritise careers in technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, finance, international migration or private-sector employment.
The South-East, known for its strong entrepreneurial culture, has traditionally encouraged business ownership and commerce, leading some analysts to suggest that military service may not rank as highly among preferred career paths for many young people.
This trend, however, is not unique to the region.
Across Nigeria, security agencies increasingly compete with private employers for skilled young professionals.
Concerns About Welfare and Career Prospects
Interviews conducted in previous studies and media reports have highlighted concerns among some prospective recruits regarding salaries, welfare, housing, insurance, healthcare and long-term career development within the armed forces.
Families worried about insecurity and deployments to conflict zones may also discourage their children from pursuing military careers.
Military authorities have in recent years introduced reforms aimed at improving personnel welfare, training and career progression, although public perceptions often take time to change.
Perceptions of Fairness
Some commentators have also argued that perceptions—whether accurate or not—about promotion opportunities, postings and representation within senior military leadership may influence attitudes toward enlistment.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have consistently maintained that recruitment, promotion and appointments are guided by established rules, merit and applicable federal character provisions.
No official evidence has established systemic exclusion of South-East recruits from military careers.
A National Institution
Defence analysts emphasise that the Nigerian Army remains a national institution whose effectiveness depends on broad representation from every region of the country.
They argue that diversity within the armed forces strengthens national cohesion, improves operational effectiveness and reinforces the military’s constitutional role as a national institution rather than a regional one.
Beyond the Numbers
The debate over recruitment should not be reduced to accusations or stereotypes.
Not every young person in the South-East is unwilling to join the military, just as not every eligible Nigerian seeks a military career.
Understanding recruitment trends requires careful analysis of historical experiences, public trust, economic opportunities, institutional confidence and changing career preferences.
For policymakers, the challenge extends beyond encouraging enlistment.
Building confidence in national institutions, improving personnel welfare, strengthening transparency and fostering greater national unity may ultimately prove more effective than recruitment campaigns alone.
The question, therefore, is not simply why fewer South-Eastern youths appear to enlist.
It is whether Nigeria can create conditions in which young people from every region view military service as an honorable, rewarding and trusted path of national service.
Ultimately, the reasons behind recruitment trends in the South-East remain multifaceted, involving historical memory, public trust, security concerns, economic opportunities, family preferences and individual career choices. No single explanation fully accounts for the pattern, making continued dialogue and evidence-based research essential.
The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has launched its 2026 ember months road safety campaign, targeting zero road fatalities through intensified enforcement, public enlightenment and improved emergency response during the festive season.
The campaign, themed “Safe Road, Safe Life: Drive Responsibly,” was unveiled by the OYRTMA Chairman, Maj. Adekoya Adesagba (retd.), during a media briefing at the state Secretariat in Ibadan on Thursday.
Adesagba said the initiative would focus on five strategic areas: advocacy, enforcement, emergency response, inter-agency collaboration, and monitoring and evaluation.
He explained that the agency would intensify enforcement activities and strengthen emergency response mechanisms through improved collaboration with relevant agencies, alongside a more effective referral and monitoring system.
The chairman identified over-speeding, driving against traffic, drunk driving, overloading and the use of mobile phones while driving as major causes of road crashes during the ember months.
According to him, these dangerous driving practices often contribute to the seasonal increase in road traffic accidents, making stricter compliance with traffic regulations essential to protecting lives.
Adesagba also disclosed that OYRTMA would engage religious leaders across the state to promote road safety, with awareness messages incorporated into sermons and other activities in places of worship.
He announced that the statewide campaign would commence on Monday, November 2, 2026, with a road walk and continue until January 2027 through sustained sensitisation and public enlightenment programmes.
The chairman said extending the campaign beyond the festive season was necessary because of the volume of return traffic passing through Oyo State, particularly from northern parts of the country.
He added that the agency would collaborate with the Park Management System, the Nigeria Police Force, Vehicle Inspection Officers and other law enforcement agencies to coordinate traffic management and improve road safety during the period.
As part of efforts to strengthen emergency response, Adesagba announced the activation of the state’s emergency traffic lines, 615 and 0912 888 8878.
He urged residents and other road users to use the numbers to report traffic emergencies, road obstructions and related incidents requiring urgent attention.
The OYRTMA chairman called on commercial drivers, private motorists and other road users to take responsibility for their safety and that of other road users by obeying traffic regulations and avoiding risky driving practices.
He also urged relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure that the ember months were characterised by safe journeys and peaceful festive celebrations rather than preventable road crashes and fatalities.
Speaking on behalf of the state chairman of the Park Management System, the deputy chairman, Jimoh Tajudeen, urged motorists, transport operators and passengers to support the initiative by complying with traffic regulations and adopting safe road practices.
Tajudeen stressed that collective commitment to traffic rules and safety measures was essential to reducing road crashes and ensuring safer journeys during the festive period.
The ember months, traditionally associated with increased travel towards the end of the year, often witness heavier traffic as Nigerians travel to reunite with family members and participate in festive activities.
The increase in vehicular movement during the period makes responsible driving, regular vehicle maintenance and strict compliance with traffic regulations critica
l to preventing road crashes and loss of life.
Through the campaign, OYRTMA is seeking to strengthen public awareness, improve traffic enforcement and encourage safer driving habits across Oyo State as residents prepare for the festive season.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and private sector investment, declaring that natural resources alone cannot guarantee economic prosperity without innovation, skills, knowledge and increased production.
Makinde stated this on Wednesday at the 10th anniversary celebration and commissioning of the global headquarters of CapitalSage Holdings in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
He congratulated the management of CapitalSage Holdings on its growth into a diversified business conglomerate, describing the establishment of its global headquarters in Ibadan as a significant milestone for the state’s investment and economic development drive.
According to Makinde, Nigeria’s abundant natural resources must be complemented by entrepreneurial initiatives, risk-taking, innovation and investment to translate the country’s economic potential into sustainable prosperity.
“Nigeria is a wealthy country in terms of natural resources, but natural resources alone cannot lead to economic prosperity.
Prosperity must be driven by entrepreneurship, skills, knowledge and intensive production,” he said.
The governor stressed that the government had a responsibility to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate, expand and contribute to economic growth.
He assured investors that his administration would continue to support private enterprises through improved security, investment facilitation, infrastructure development and other legitimate interventions aimed at promoting business expansion.
Makinde also said his administration had worked to ensure that economic activities could continue beyond traditional working hours by providing the infrastructure, stability and security required for businesses to thrive.
He described the commissioning of CapitalSage Holdings’ headquarters as evidence that Ibadan could accommodate major business organisations and compete with Lagos in attracting investments.
“For many years, people viewed Oyo State as playing second fiddle to Lagos in terms of business and investment. Today, we are proving that Oyo State can stand shoulder to shoulder with any state in the federation in attracting investment and supporting enterprise,” he said.
Makinde reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner with CapitalSage Holdings and other investors, particularly businesses that create employment opportunities, strengthen local industries and contribute to the state’s economy.
He cited the brown sugar and sorbitol factories among industrial projects that had received government support because of their contributions to employment generation and economic development.
The governor said CapitalSage Holdings would receive similar support, adding that his administration remained committed to policies that encourage businesses to establish, grow and expand within the state.
“This occasion is particularly significant because CapitalSage is demonstrating that Ibadan can host the headquarters of major business organisations,” he said.
Makinde congratulated the company on its 10th anniversary, expressing optimism that it would record greater achievements in the coming years.
CapitalSage Commends Oyo Government
In his welcome address, the Founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, John Alamu, commended the Makinde.
administration for providing an environment that enabled the company to grow from a small enterprise in Oyo State into a diversified business conglomerate headquartered in Ibadan.
Alamu reaffirmed the group’s commitment to building stronger businesses, developing its workforce, deepening strategic partnerships and delivering greater value to its customers.
CapitalSage Holdings has grown into a conglomerate comprising about 20 companies, according to the governor, with its global headquarters expected to further strengthen Ibadan’s profile as a business and investment destination.
The anniversary celebration and commissioning attracted traditional rulers, financial partners, local and international investors, and other prominent figures in the business community.
Among those present were the Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.
Members of the Oyo State Government delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu; and Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency, Tilewa Folami.
Other officials at the event included commissioners, local government representatives, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Yekini Abass, and other government functionaries.
The state government said its continued engagement with private investors formed part of its broader strategy to expand economic opportunities, attract businesses and promote employment generation across Oyo State.
Akwa Ibom State Government has disclosed that electronic ticket sales to tricycle and minibus operators generate about ₦14 million weekly, boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Anthony Luke, disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with journalists in Uyo, the state capital, describing the revenue increase as one of the achievements of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in the transport sector over the past three years.
According to Luke, the state records about ₦2 million daily from the electronic ticketing system, which requires tricycle, popularly known as keke, and minibus operators to purchase daily tickets before commencing operations.
He explained that the ministry sells 100,946 electronic tickets daily to transport operators at rates of ₦200 for tricycle riders and ₦300 for minibus drivers, with collections expected before 9 am.
“Now we record ₦2m daily and receive ₦14m in a week. We have recruited 143 enforcers for sales of the e-tickets to the transport operators.
The money is sent straight to government coffers under the present Single Treasury Account. This increases Akwa Ibom Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) daily,” Luke said.
The commissioner noted that the introduction of electronic ticketing had helped the government identify revenue leakages in the transport sector, particularly among operators who previously failed to pay their daily ticket fees.
He recalled that the ministry’s records showed that 5,794 tricycle operators had been registered, but the electronic ticketing system revealed that many were not complying with the daily payment requirement.
Luke said the transition to electronic payments had improved accountability and enabled the government to collect revenue directly from transport operators.
He added that the initiative had contributed to a 109 per cent increase in the state’s internally generated revenue, although he did not provide the baseline figures or period used to calculate the increase.
The commissioner attributed the success of the system to collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy, headed by Ekpenyong Udo Ekpenyong, which provided the technical support required to implement the electronic ticketing platform.
Cameras Deployed to Monitor Transport Operators
Providing further details, Ekpenyong described the electronic ticketing initiative as an unprecedented development in the state’s transport sector under Governor Eno’s Arise Agenda.
He said surveillance cameras had been installed at strategic locations across Uyo metropolis to monitor the activities of tricycle and minibus operators.
According to him, the surveillance system is intended to strengthen compliance with ticket payments, improve passenger safety and support security agencies in tracking suspects involved in criminal activities.
“With cameras installed around the city, no keke operator would escape from paying for the ticket,” Ekpenyong said.
He added that the cameras would make it more difficult for criminals to use tricycles to commit offences, as surveillance footage could help investigators identify and trace suspected offenders.
The commissioner said the security information obtained through the system would assist relevant agencies in their investigations and efforts to maintain public safety.
The state government’s electronic ticketing initiative combines digital revenue collection with surveillance and monitoring of commercial transport operations within Uyo.
The development comes as state governments increasingly explore digital systems to improve revenue collection, reduce leakages and strengthen accountability in public finance.
However, the long-term impact of the initiative will depend on sustained compliance by transport operators, transparent revenue reporting and the effective use of surveillance technology to improve passenger safety and security.
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