Senate To Screen Newly Appointed Service Chiefs Today

The Senate will today (Wednesday) begin the screening and possible confirmation of the newly appointed Service Chiefs nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a key phase in his administration’s security leadership overhaul.

Earlier in the week, President Tinubu forwarded the nominees’ names to the upper legislative chamber for confirmation, in line with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Those nominated include Major-General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The President also nominated Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the President’s letter during plenary, said the screening would follow due legislative procedure. He disclosed that, as is customary with security matters, the exercise would be held behind closed doors.

The nominees are expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Defence and other relevant committees, where they will present their strategic visions and plans to combat the nation’s worsening insecurity.

President Tinubu’s appointments come amid widespread security challenges — from terrorism and banditry in the North to kidnapping and violent crimes across the South. Security analysts believe the new military leadership will face the urgent task of rebuilding public trust, improving operational coordination, and delivering decisive results.

The outcome of today’s screening will signal the Senate’s stance on the President’s security reform agenda and could determine how swiftly his administration’s efforts to strengthen national defence structures will gain traction.