The Senate on Wednesday confirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominees for the positions of service chiefs, marking a key step in the administration’s ongoing security reforms.
The confirmed appointees 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, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate, requesting swift screening and confirmation of the nominees. During Wednesday’s plenary session, lawmakers suspended all other legislative business to focus exclusively on the exercise.
The nominees were engaged in a closed-door session that lasted over two hours, where senators questioned them on strategies to strengthen intelligence sharing, modernise military operations, and rebuild public confidence in the Armed Forces.
After deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio conducted a voice vote that resulted in unanimous approval of the nominees.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended President Tinubu for selecting what he described as “seasoned and battle-tested officers” capable of repositioning Nigeria’s military institutions.
“The Senate interacted extensively with the nominees and found them fit and capable. Their experience across various theatres of operation will play a vital role in addressing the nation’s security challenges,” he said.
Akpabio added that the confirmation reflected a renewed sense of national trust in Tinubu’s security agenda. “This decision renews hope in our collective ability to restore peace and protect lives and property across the country,” he noted.
The Senate President also praised lawmakers for dedicating the entire session to the screening process, describing it as a demonstration of legislative commitment to national security.
President Tinubu had appointed the new service chiefs on October 24, following reports of a foiled coup attempt.
