The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, marking the commencement of the screening process for the newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede’s confirmation came barely an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex amid tight security.
Welcoming the nominees to the chamber, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the exercise as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring 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,” Akpabio said. “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.”
He explained that the screening formed part of the Senate’s oversight responsibilities to uphold discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the chamber looked forward to a constructive interaction that would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Today’s exercise,” he added, “is in keeping with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are entrusted with the task of safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity.”
Leading the delegation, General Oluyede arrived at the National Assembly complex around 10 a.m. alongside other senior officers. The nominees were screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before formal confirmation.
Their appearance followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, urging the Red Chamber to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations. The President listed the nominees as General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
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 hierarchy following a sweeping shake-up in the armed forces.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen national security and improve coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.
Tinubu also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership,” while urging their successors to justify the confidence reposed in them by upholding professionalism, unity, and vigilance within the Armed Forces.
