By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, confirmed the appointments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly designated Service Chiefs.
The confirmation follows a request by the President to expedite the legislative process, aiming to ensure a seamless transition and immediate operational stability in the country’s defense architecture.
The new Service Chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, arrived at the National Assembly complex in the early hours of Wednesday.
Welcoming the nominees to the chamber, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation.
Akpabio said: “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.”
He further explained that the exercise was part of the Senate’s oversight responsibility to guarantee discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the chamber looked forward to a constructive interaction that would strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
The Senate President added, “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.”
Speaking during his screening, Oluyede said his time as the Chief of Army Staff has prepared him for the new job.
Oluyede reflected on the hurdles faced while leading the Nigerian Army and the lessons drawn from that experience.
“My tenure was quite challenging. Though we made significant progress in securing the country, there is still room for improvement.
“Security is not a task for the military alone — it requires the cooperation of every Nigerian,” he said.
He explained that his former role demanded total commitment and long hours of planning to address complex threats confronting the nation, Channels reports.
“It took a great deal of experience, sleepless nights, and unwavering focus to safeguard our nation. While resources remain limited, Nigeria must invest in developing its own capacity to counter emerging challenges, from terrorism to cybercrime,” Oluyede stated.
