The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, shortly after his arrival at the National Assembly complex in Abuja for screening on Wednesday.
Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other service chief nominees appeared before the Senate amid tight security.
Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty meant to ensure that only capable and patriotic officers are chosen to safeguard the country.
“Today’s exercise 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 protecting our national security and territorial integrity,” Akpabio stated.
He commended the nominees for their years of dedicated service and emphasized that the Senate expected the interaction to help strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
General Oluyede arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m., accompanied by other nominees, including 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), and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence).
Their screening followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, requesting the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.
The confirmation comes just a week after President Tinubu met with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa. The President said the appointments were part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve coordination among the armed forces and intelligence agencies.
Tinubu also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership” and urged their successors to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance in their new roles.
