The House of Representatives has confirmed Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s substantive Chief of Army Staff.
This followed his screening by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army on Wednesday.
During Thursday’s plenary, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Babajimi Benson, presented the screening report to the House.
He recommended Oluyede’s confirmation, a motion which was approved under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency, highlighted the thoroughness of the screening process. He said, “On November 26, 2024, the parliament tasked us to screen the Acting Chief of Army Staff. We reviewed his qualifications and engaged him on critical issues such as inter-agency collaboration and military-civilian relations.”
Benson added that the committee found Oluyede to be a competent, experienced, and qualified officer. “He gave a very good account of himself and demonstrated a deep understanding of military strategies and tactics. We urge this House to confirm his appointment,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Kalu echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the nominee’s extensive experience and strategic insight. “The committee observed that General Oluyede displayed exceptional knowledge of military operations and demonstrated a strong vision for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” Kalu stated before putting the motion to a vote, which was unanimously approved by the lawmakers.
According to the screening report, Oluyede detailed his experience in war zones and his negotiation skills, assuring the committee that he would apply these to Nigeria’s security landscape.
His presentation also covered key issues such as tackling terrorism, insurgency, and banditry, improving soldiers’ welfare, upgrading military equipment, and ensuring transparency in resource management.
Oluyede has been serving as the Acting Chief of Army Staff since early November, following the death of his predecessor, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. With his confirmation, Oluyede becomes the 24th Chief of Army Staff, taking on the critical responsibility of steering the Nigerian Army amid the country’s pressing security challenges.
