A new leadership team for Nigeria’s armed forces formally arrived at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria today for screening and confirmation, following their recent appointments by Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of a major shake‑up of the country’s military command structure.
Heads in Attendance
The nominated service chiefs who presented themselves at the Senate include:
* Olufemi Oluyede, newly‑appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
* Waidi Shaibu, selected as Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
* Kennedy Aneke (Air Vice Marshal), nominated as Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
* Idi Abbas (Rear Admiral), designated Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
* Emmanuel Undiendeye, retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI)
These names were forwarded to the Senate in letters from President Tinubu invoking Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act (Cap A20, LFN 2004) as the basis for their nomination.
Senate Moves Quickly
In an unusual break from routine timelines, the Senate advanced the screening exercise to today, 29 October, rather than delaying it to next week.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained the urgency, saying the move was in the national interest to ensure “a seamless transition” and continuity in the country’s defence posture.
The matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole and scheduled for immediate proceedings.
Why the Rush?
The government emphasises that this accelerated process is necessary because of the security environment — threats from insurgency, banditry and instability remain acute.
By approving the new leadership quickly, the Presidency and Legislature aim to avoid any vacuum in command or potential lapse in operational coordination.
What Happens Next
Once the Senate completes screening and confirms the nominees, they will be formally sworn in and assume their full duties. Until then, the outgoing chiefs may continue to serve in a caretaker capacity.
This hand‑over will set the tone for how the new leadership engages the multiple security fronts facing the country.
Former service chiefs are also expected to be publicly commended by the Presidency for their past service. President Tinubu’s letter to the Senate acknowledged the outgoing chiefs’ service and called on the new appointees to “enhance professionalism, vigilance and comradeship”.
Takeaway
Today’s meeting at the Senate marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s military leadership. The planned swift confirmation underscores how seriously the government views the security challenges ahead.
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The efficiency and effectiveness with which the new service chiefs move into their roles will be closely watched by both national and international observers.
See photos below:
