The Nigerian Senate has screened and confirmed the new Service Chiefs appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a major step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and improve coordination among the armed forces.
The confirmed Service Chiefs include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
President Tinubu’s letter requesting their confirmation was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, urging lawmakers to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominees.
According to the Presidency, the appointments form part of a strategic realignment designed to deepen professionalism, boost morale, and enhance inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges across the country.
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The Service Chiefs, accompanied by senior military officers, arrived at the National Assembly Complex at about 10:00 a.m. for the screening, which was conducted under tight security. Senators held both open and closed sessions to assess the nominees’ qualifications and readiness for the roles.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the process as a constitutional responsibility aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with protecting the nation.
“The screening is part of our constitutional duty. It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation. There is no need to ask them too many questions because we will be having a closed-door session with them,” Akpabio said.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, urged the nominees to remain loyal to the President and the Constitution, stressing that discipline and unity of command are key to achieving national security objectives.
“We urge all the nominees to be loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and loyal to our Constitution. This is the underpinning in service—loyalty. We are confident that, with your commitment and the zeal of Mr. President, total security will be achieved,” Barau stated.
During the screening, the nominees pledged their readiness to serve the country with dedication and professionalism. Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, said:
“As the Chief of Air Staff, my duties are clear—to secure the lives, liberties, and aspirations of Nigerians through the power of air operations, in collaboration with my colleagues in the military and other security agencies.”
Following the interactive session, the Senate moved into a closed-door meeting in line with parliamentary tradition to discuss sensitive security matters before officially confirming the nominees.
It would be recalled that President Tinubu had met with the new military leaders on Monday, where they reportedly discussed current security challenges ahead of their formal assumption of duty.
On October 24, President Tinubu approved a shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waheedi Shaibu was named Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
With the Senate’s confirmation, the new Service Chiefs are now expected to immediately assume office and drive forward the President’s agenda for a safer and more secure Nigeria.