Senate Backs New Service Chiefs, Pledges Renewed Confidence In Nigeria’s Security Leadership
By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN
THE Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of the country’s newly nominated service chiefs, marking a major step in President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing security restructuring.
The confirmation, announced during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, followed a closed-door screening session that lasted about an hour, during which lawmakers engaged the nominees on Nigeria’s pressing security challenges and their strategies for reform.
Those confirmed include:
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Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
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Major General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff
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Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of Air Staff
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Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff
Before the session went into private deliberations, each nominee fielded questions on non-sensitive security matters, their past military experiences, and their proposed plans to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, improve troop welfare, and tackle insurgency and banditry.
Upon resumption of open proceedings, Mr. Akpabio announced that the Senate had unanimously approved the nominations through a voice vote, signalling broad bipartisan support for the new defence leadership.
Congratulating the appointees, Akpabio commended President Tinubu for what he described as strategic and merit-based selections, expressing optimism that the new service chiefs would usher in a renewed sense of confidence in Nigeria’s armed forces.
“We believe this will renew the hope of Nigerians regarding security matters,” Akpabio said. “The Senate looks forward to seeing measurable progress in restoring peace, protecting citizens, and safeguarding national unity.”
The confirmation comes amid heightened expectations for the new military hierarchy to deliver tangible results in counter-terrorism, border security, and the protection of critical national assets.
