By Peter Omopo
Abuja | October 28, 2025 — The Senate will on Wednesday, October 29, commence the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu, marking another key step in the administration’s bid to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.
The President’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, urging lawmakers to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominees.
According to the correspondence, the nominees include:
- General Olufemi Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff
- Major General Waheedi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
- Rear Admiral Idi Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff
- Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
- Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
Akpabio subsequently referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole, which will conduct the screening and confirmation exercise on Wednesday.
The development follows President Tinubu’s closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday — his first official engagement with the top military leadership since last week’s sweeping reshuffle.
The Presidency had described the shake-up as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security, improve inter-agency collaboration, and enhance operational efficiency across the armed forces.
In his message to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other retired officers, President Tinubu commended their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” to the nation.
He further charged the new service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, unity, and vigilance in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Lawmakers are expected to fast-track the confirmation process, as the appointments are seen as crucial to the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to curb insurgency, banditry, and organized crime across the country.
