The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), alongside other service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu. The confirmations followed closed-door screenings held by the upper legislative chamber.
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Other confirmed service chiefs include Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that only a few questions would be posed to the nominees, after which lawmakers would move into closed sessions to discuss national security matters not meant for public disclosure. The closed-door session lasted several hours before the confirmations were finalized.
Speaking during his screening, Oluyede reflected on his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of his over 30 years in service. He highlighted notable achievements in reducing insecurity and combating terrorism, while urging the government to provide increased funding for the military and empower the Nigeria Police Force to handle internal security duties.
“The fight against insecurity requires a whole-of-society approach. Security should not be left solely to the armed forces. Every citizen, institution, and community has a role to play in making Nigeria safer,” Oluyede stated.
The outgoing Chief of Army Staff also emphasised the importance of local production of military equipment, warning against the unsustainable costs of relying on imported hardware. He called on lawmakers to enact legislation to regulate the sharing of sensitive information.
Senator Akpabio praised Oluyede’s service, noting his hands-on leadership in the fight against Boko Haram and other security threats. “You are not a general who sits in the office. You have been in the theatre of warfare, serving the nation meritoriously,” Akpabio said.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff, opposed a proposed bill to establish a Nigerian Coast Guard, arguing that it would duplicate existing agencies and that resources would be better allocated to strengthening the Navy.
Oluyede succeeds as the 25th Chief of Defence Staff, having previously served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff. Other service chiefs confirmed alongside him are Major-General W. Shaibu (Army), Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke (Air Force), and Rear Admiral I. Abbas (Navy), while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
During the screening, Oluyede called for national support, stressing that effective security management requires collaboration between the military, police, and every Nigerian citizen. He also warned that failure to manage information properly could exacerbate security challenges.
The Senate commended all nominees for their service records and allowed them to exit the chamber after the session, signalling a smooth confirmation process for President Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs.
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