ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate will begin screening five newly appointed service chiefs on Wednesday, following President Bola Tinubu’s call for swift confirmation as part of a broader effort to restructure the country’s security leadership.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio presented the nominations and referred them to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration. The appointments are seen as a strategic move to reinforce national defense capabilities.
The nominees include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Akpabio described the nominations as “timely and necessary,” emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and patriotic screening process. Lawmakers are expected to question the nominees on their plans to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
The appointments follow a closed-door meeting between Tinubu and the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking the president’s first formal engagement with the restructured military leadership.
General Oluyede pledged to restore public confidence in the Armed Forces and improve coordination among military branches. Major General Shaibu emphasized the need for renewed discipline and operational efficiency within the Army.
Rear Admiral Abbas and Air Vice Marshal Aneke committed to enhancing maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, respectively, while Major General Undiendeye vowed to modernize intelligence operations to counter emerging threats.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to outgoing Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other retiring officers, commending their years of service and leadership. He urged the new appointees to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance.
The administration believes the new leadership will bolster inter-agency collaboration and accelerate efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, and organized crime across the country.
If confirmed, the appointments will mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s defense strategy, aligning with Tinubu’s broader agenda to reform national security and restore stability nationwide.
