The Nigerian Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s appointments of four new service chiefs, marking a significant development in the country’s military leadership. The confirmed appointees are:
- Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa
- Major General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff
- Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff
- Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff
The confirmation followed a two-hour closed-door session where senators questioned the nominees on their plans to strengthen national security and reform the armed forces.
The Senate had earlier suspended relevant rules to allow the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters to bring the nominees into the chamber.
During their screening, the nominees emphasized their commitment to serving the Nigerian people dutifully and in line with the Constitution.
The Chief of Army Staff nominee, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, highlighted his leadership philosophy, which includes sound leadership, teamwork, discipline, and human capacity development. Similarly, the Chief of Naval Staff nominee, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, assured the Senate of his commitment to giving his best to the Nigerian Navy.
The appointments are part of President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen national security, following a major military shake-up in October 2024.
The new service chiefs will face significant challenges, including Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, armed banditry in the northwest, and separatist unrest in the southeast.
