The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, marking the beginning of the screening process for the newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex under tight security.
Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional responsibility designed to ensure that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation.
“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.
On behalf of the entire Senate, I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend you for the years of dedicated service you have rendered to our great nation,” Akpabio said.
He further noted that the exercise forms part of the Senate’s oversight duty to promote discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the chamber looks forward to a constructive engagement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
Oluyede, who led the delegation, arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m. alongside other nominees, including:
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Major General Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
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Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
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Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
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Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
The nominees were screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before Oluyede’s formal confirmation.
Their appearance follows a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, urging the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.
The screening comes a week 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 since last week’s major shake-up in the armed forces.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of efforts to reform and strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture, enhance coordination among the armed forces, and boost intelligence sharing.
Tinubu also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their patriotic service and urged their successors to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance in discharging their duties.
