The House of Representatives on Wednesday screened President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs but deferred confirmation of the nominees to Thursday’s legislative sitting.
Those screened included Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
Naijaonpoint reports that the exercise followed President Tinubu’s formal request for “expeditious consideration” of the nominees, which was read on the floor by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday.
To conduct the screening, the House constituted an ad hoc committee chaired by Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, with members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Committees also participating.
Declaring the session open, Benson stressed that the process was a constitutional requirement and not a mere formality.
“The process is not merely ceremonial; it is a critical mechanism for ensuring accountability, transparency, and public confidence in our national security leadership,” he stated.
Benson reminded the nominees of the weight of public expectations as the country battles terrorism, banditry, and maritime insecurity.
“Our country today faces its boldest threats from terrorism, banditry, and maritime insecurity. Nigerians expect results, and we in the House of Representatives share that expectation. Therefore, this screening offers an opportunity to interact candidly with the nominees, assess their understanding of the current security landscape, and hear their strategic plans for restoring peace and stability,” he said.
He assured that the House would be “firm, thorough, and objective” in its assessment, noting that only the most capable leaders should be entrusted with the task of defending the country.
The House screening came hours after the Senate confirmed the same nominees, following a two-hour closed-door session on Wednesday.
Benson concluded, “We are partners in progress, united by a shared commitment to Nigeria’s security, peace, and prosperity.”
Chief Of Defence Staff
Oluyede, in his appearance before the Committee, expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the armed forces through a period of significant national security challenges.
“Mr Chairman, I appear before you today to be confirmed as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, following the recent changes in the top hierarchy by Mr President and Commander-in-Chief,” he began.
Oluyede, who is the outgoing COAS, said the army had recorded “significant administrative and operational achievements” under his leadership.
He stated that his decades of exposure to security management at various levels had equipped him to steer the military towards greater efficiency and unity.
He added, “I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over three decades across the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession. My exposure at the strategic level of military management has prepared me for the responsibilities that lie ahead.”
Oluyede, the 34th COAS, said he viewed his nomination as “a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes” within the armed forces.
He pledged to sustain ongoing reforms, improve the welfare of personnel, and deepen collaboration among the services to strengthen joint operations.
He emphasised the need for collaboration among the services and between Nigeria and its neighbours, stressing that national security required a “united effort by all Nigerians” and stronger bilateral partnerships.
Chief Of Army Staff
In his presentation, Shaibu said his 30 years of military experience had equipped him with the skills and vision needed to reposition the Nigerian Army for greater efficiency and professionalism.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering, with three master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security Strategic Studies, Shaibu pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors while introducing reforms that will improve troops’ welfare and operational readiness.
“With my wealth of experience in combating insurgency and managing field operations across the country, I intend to inject new vigour into our training and operational planning,” he told lawmakers.
He added that under his command, the army would “create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive” and restore public confidence in the military’s role in ensuring internal stability.
Chief Of Naval Staff
Abbas highlighted his extensive background in maritime operations, command appointments, and strategic defence coordination.
“With my experience, I am confident in my ability to move the navy forward and enhance operational efficiency,” he said, promising to strengthen naval presence across Nigeria’s territorial waters and tackle maritime insecurity, oil theft, and piracy.
Chief Of Air Staff
On his part, Aneke said his leadership would focus on innovation, discipline, and long-term planning to build a modern, capable, and technologically advanced air force.
“My focus will be on leadership, innovation, and planning, ensuring that the Air Force remains effective and forward-looking,” he said, stressing the need for continuous training, air fleet modernisation, and personnel welfare.
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