Breaking: Senate Confirms Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Begins Screening of New Service Chiefs
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, marking the commencement of the screening process for newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
General Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex under heightened security.
Welcoming the nominees to the Senate chamber, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional obligation designed to ensure that only the most qualified and patriotic officers are entrusted with the nation’s security.
“Distinguished colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I welcome our newly appointed Service Chiefs to the hallowed chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio said. “On behalf of the entire Senate, I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend you for your years of dedicated service to our great nation.”
He emphasized that the exercise was part of the Senate’s oversight role to uphold discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, expressing hope for a productive engagement that would enhance Nigeria’s security framework.
“This screening is in line with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are charged with safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity,” Akpabio added.
General Oluyede led the delegation of nominees, arriving at the National Assembly around 10 a.m. The screening, conducted by the Committee of the Whole chaired by Akpabio, precedes formal confirmation of the nominees.
Their appearance followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, requesting swift consideration of the appointments.
The nominees include:
– General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
– Major General Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
– Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
– Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
– Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
The screening comes shortly after President Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa—his first official engagement with the military leadership following a major reshuffle in the armed forces.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of broader efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture and improve coordination among military and intelligence agencies.
President Tinubu also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership,” urging their successors to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance in their new roles.
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