The newly appointed service chiefs arrived at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday for their Senate screening.
They were accompanied by senior military officers and were sighted around 10 a.m. at the Senate wing of the complex.
The Senate had earlier rescheduled the exercise to Wednesday, October 29, instead of next week, following a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requesting the confirmation of Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter on the floor before proceedings began.
Akpabio explained that the change in schedule was necessary to allow the new service chiefs to assume their duties without delay, emphasising the importance of timely confirmation for effective security operations.
President Tinubu urged the Senate to fast‑track the confirmation process to ensure continuity and proper coordination within the nation’s security architecture. He described the appointments as vital for strengthening Nigeria’s defence system.
The recent appointments include Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. These changes follow a major shake‑up in the country’s military leadership earlier this month.
Analysts say the confirmation and assumption of duties by the new service chiefs are expected to bring fresh energy and renewed focus to the nation’s security management, especially amid ongoing challenges in various regions.
