The Senate on Wednesday officially confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff following a high-security screening at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other nominated service chiefs arrived for their screening, which was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Welcoming the nominees, Akpabio described the exercise as both a constitutional requirement and a vital measure to ensure Nigeria’s armed forces remain disciplined, professional, and committed to national unity.
“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,” Akpabio said.
He further emphasized that the screening highlights the Senate’s oversight role in maintaining competence within the country’s military leadership.
“Today’s exercise is in keeping with our constitutional duty to ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are entrusted with the task of safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity,” Akpabio added.
General Oluyede’s appointment marks a key step in reinforcing leadership at the top of Nigeria’s armed forces.
