The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), officially commencing the screening of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs.
According to Naija News, Oluyede’s confirmation took place less than an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the National Assembly complex in Abuja under tight security.
Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the exercise as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring only competent and disciplined officers are entrusted with the country’s defence and national 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 you for the years of dedicated service you have rendered to our great nation,” Akpabio stated.
The screening followed a formal request from President Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, urging the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the appointments to enable the new chiefs assume office without delay.
Those screened and confirmed include:
- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
- Maj. Gen. Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
- Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
The development comes just days after Tinubu met privately with the nominees at the Presidential Villa, marking his first official engagement with the new military hierarchy after a major security reshuffle last week.
According to the Presidency, the appointments reflect Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and ensuring greater coordination among the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies.
The President also commended the immediate past service chiefs for their patriotic service, urging the new leadership to uphold professionalism, vigilance, and unity in defending the nation.
