The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff-designate, officially commencing the screening of newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly Complex, 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 exercise as a constitutional responsibility to ensure that only the most competent 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. On behalf of the entire Senate, I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend your years of dedicated service to our great nation,” Akpabio said.
He further noted that the screening was part of the Senate’s oversight function to promote discipline and professionalism in the armed forces, adding that the chamber looked forward to a constructive interaction that would help strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
Leading the team, General Oluyede arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m. alongside other senior military officers. The screening was conducted by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by the Senate President.
Their appearance followed a letter from President Bola Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, urging the Red Chamber to grant “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.
The nominees include 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).
The screening exercise comes a week after President Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the newly appointed service chiefs — his first official engagement with the military leadership following a major shake-up in the armed forces.
According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen the national security architecture and enhance coordination among military and intelligence agencies.
Tinubu had earlier commended the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership,” while charging their successors to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance in defending the country.