BREAKING: Senate confirms Gen Olufemi Oluyede as new Chief of Defence Staff

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff following the screening of the recently 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 arrangements.

Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring that only 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,” 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.”

Akpabio emphasized that the exercise reflected the Senate’s oversight responsibility to uphold professionalism and discipline within the armed forces, adding that the legislature was committed to strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

“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 safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity,” he added.

General Oluyede, who led the delegation, arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m. alongside other senior military officers. The nominees were screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before their formal confirmation.

Their appearance followed a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was read during Tuesday’s plenary session, urging the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominees.

President Tinubu’s list included 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), and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence).

The screening took place just a week after President Tinubu met with the newly appointed service chiefs at the Presidential Villa — his first official meeting with the military leadership following a major reshuffle in the armed forces.

According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of Tinubu’s broader plan to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure and enhance coordination between the military and intelligence agencies.

The President also praised the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership” and charged their successors to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, unity, and vigilance in the defence of the nation.