Senate confirms General Oluyede as CDS-designate

Begins Screening of New Service Chiefs

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Defence Staff-designate, officially kicking off the screening of newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Oluyede’s confirmation came less than an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex under tight security.

Welcoming the nominees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the exercise as a constitutional obligation designed to ensure that only capable and patriotic officers are entrusted with defending the nation.

“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,” Akpabio said.
“On behalf of the entire Senate, I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend you for your years of dedicated service to our great nation.”

He emphasized that the screening underscored the Senate’s oversight role in promoting discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, expressing optimism that the engagement would further strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.

“Today’s exercise is in keeping with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are entrusted with safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity,” he added.

General Oluyede led the delegation of nominees who arrived at the National Assembly around 10 a.m. They are being screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before their final confirmation.

Their appearance follows a letter from President Bola Tinubu, read during Tuesday’s plenary, requesting the Senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.

The nominees include:

• General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
• Major General Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
• Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
• Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
• Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence

The screening follows a recent closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and the newly appointed service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, marking the president’s first major engagement with the military leadership since last week’s sweeping shake-up in the armed forces.

According to the Presidency, the appointments are part of Tinubu’s broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and enhance coordination among military and intelligence agencies.

President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership,” urging the new appointees to uphold professionalism, unity, and vigilance in the discharge of their duties.