The Senate will on Wednesday screen and confirm the newly appointed Service Chiefs, following a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking urgent legislative approval for the appointments.
The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, urged the upper chamber to expedite consideration of the nominees in line with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act (Cap A20, LFN 2004).
Tinubu explained that the appointments were aimed at strengthening the command structure of the Armed Forces and improving coordination in the fight against insecurity across the country.
Akpabio, after reading the correspondence, referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole and scheduled Wednesday for the screening and confirmation exercise.
“This is a matter of urgent national importance. Quick confirmation will ensure a smooth transition in military leadership and sustain the momentum in ongoing security operations,” Akpabio said.
The new Service Chiefs are Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff).
The Senate President further disclosed that all nominees will be screened together to fast-track the process and ensure a unified command transition.
The Senate’s prompt action underscores its collaboration with the Executive to strengthen national defence leadership and consolidate efforts against insecurity.
Observers say the move reflects a renewed alignment between the Legislature and the Presidency in tackling the country’s complex security challenges and restoring public confidence in the armed forces.