By Gadia Mercy
The newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday pledged to reposition Nigeria’s security architecture to meet emerging national and regional threats.
The Service Chiefs gave the assurance during their screening by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force held at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.
Other nominees screened by the lawmakers included the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas.
In his presentation, Lt. General Oluyede, confirmed as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff, described President Bola Tinubu’s recent shake-up in the military hierarchy as a timely opportunity to “rejig the security architecture of our beloved country.”
Oluyede, who previously served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, said his extensive experience spanning over three decades had adequately prepared him to lead the Armed Forces.
“If confirmed and given the uncommon mandate to lead the Nigerian Forces, I shall do my utmost best to justify the confidence reposed in me by the President, the National Assembly, and the generality of Nigerians,” he said.
He underscored the importance of unity, strong regional alliances, and joint operations among the Services in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. Oluyede commended President Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to creating a secure environment conducive for socio-economic growth.
He also pledged to improve personnel welfare and deepen cooperation with the National Assembly to secure adequate funding for military operations.
On his part, Chief of Army Staff nominee, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, vowed to enhance troop training, welfare, and operational efficiency, building on the successes of his predecessor.
With over three decades of service and advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Public Administration, and Strategic Studies, Shuaibu said his operational experience had equipped him to inject new energy into the Army’s command structure.
“With my wealth of experience in combating threats across the country, I intend to inject fresh vigour into training and ensure that troops get what is due to them,” he assured.
He expressed optimism that a reinvigorated security framework would enable socio-economic activities to thrive and restore citizens’ confidence in national security institutions.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, said the screening of the nominees was a constitutional exercise designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust in the leadership of the Armed Forces.
“This process is not merely ceremonial. It’s a critical mechanism for ensuring professional competence and public confidence in our national security system,” Benson stated.
He emphasized that the House expects the nominees to demonstrate integrity, strategic vision, and readiness to confront Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and cyber threats.
“Our goal is to ensure that only the most capable and visionary leaders are confirmed to serve the nation at this critical time,” Benson added.