…vow to prioritise welfare, training of personnel, Inter-agency cooperation
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s Service Chiefs have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the nation’s security framework, prioritising the welfare of military personnel, and fostering closer cooperation with the National Assembly and other key partners in pursuit of lasting peace and stability.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, gave this assurance during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force, chaired by Representative Babajimi Benson, on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
General Oluyede noted that his extensive background in strategic military leadership has equipped him to effectively coordinate Nigeria’s defence operations at this crucial period in the country’s history.
“Over the years, my exposure to national security issues and the key role we do as senior cadets of the military profession has ultimately prepared me for this assignment that I am meeting you for today.
“Over the past six years, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Indian Army and, by extension, the Army of Nigeria. I have been somewhat part of the running of services, though I cannot completely describe myself in the details of what I have been carrying in the past couple of years”, he said.
The CDS described himself as “a commissioner of the first rank,” pledging to “bring about more positive changes in the military economy and armed forces, to enable me to also optimize the design and tactics of our conscription.”
He expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by the appointing authority, as he said:, “During this period, I shall do my very best to justify the governance given to me.
He also underscored the need for national unity and international cooperation, and promised to prioritize the welfare of personnel.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to overcome its challenges, and commended the lawmakers for their continued support.
“The security environment we find ourselves in requires the united effort on the part of every Nigerian, strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between our country and our neighbors, as well as deep cooperation and fairness by all services.
“I repeat, I have every plan to improve the welfare and well-being of members of Congress of Nigeria and their families. I plan to work with the Security Protect Committee on Defense, Army, Navy, and Air Force and other critical committees and stakeholders to secure resources needed to thrive our future”, he reiterated.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Waidi Shuaibu, in his remarks outlined his professional background and pledged to inject new energy and focus into the army’s operations, particularly in the area of special forces training.
He noted that his over three decades of service had equipped him for the responsibilities ahead.
“Throughout my illustrious career that has spanned over three decades, I have attended several courses and training that have prepared me for this day,” he said.
The COAS who holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering and three master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington D.C., along with a diploma in International Security and Combating Terrorism, recounted his operational experience, and pledged to strengthen special forces training to enhance the Army’s combat capability, adding,
“Under my command, we were able to rescue 15 Chibok girls from terrorist enclaves and neutralise a lot of terrorist commanders. With my wealth of experience in conducting operations across the length and breadth of this country, I am determined to lead and take new rigour and vigour into our training in preparing our troops for the roles they are about to play.
“I will focus on special forces training that should be able to allow us to inject troops to improve our strike capability both day and night. I am also committed to the troops we offer, and I will ensure that we build on the legacy of my predecessor, ensuring that troops get what is due to them properly”, he stated.
Also the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, highlighted his professional journey and expressed readiness to reposition the Nigerian Navy for greater operational effectiveness.
“I am Rear Admiral Ayat Abas. I am the Chief of Naval Staff. I have attended several courses. I am an overwater warfare specialist in the Nigerian Navy,” he stated.
He listed his previous appointments, he said:
“In the course of my career, I have held both instructional staff and operational command appointments. Notable among some of the appointments, I am an instructor in our professional training school. At one time, I was in Operation Safe Haven as sector commander. I also had the privilege of being the commander of our operations. I also had the privilege of being the fleet officer commanding, Central Naval Command, Director of Operations at the Naval Headquarters, the PSO at the Naval Headquarters, and the PSO at the Defence Headquarters”.
Rear Admiral Abas pledged to leverage his experience to move the Navy forward.
“I think with my appointments and experiences, I think I have a good grasp of what it entails to move the Navy forward, which I intend to do along my career,” he said.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke
stressed the importance of leadership, innovation, and strategic planning in building a more capable and disciplined Air Force.
Outlining his vision for the service, he noted:
“I’m going to talk about missions. I’m going to talk about staff. I’m going to talk about the uniform. I’m going to talk about planning. I’m going to talk about the importance of leadership.
“My goal is the advancement of innovation that are very important. I intend to continue to play out what they are doing”.
Declaring the session Chairman of the screening committee, whi is also the Chairman House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, welcomed the nominees and described the exercise as “an important constitutional responsibility” entrusted to the legislature under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“I would like to welcome you all to this important constitutional exercise, which is the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As representatives of the Nigerian people, the Nigerian National Assembly, and in particular the House of Reps, is best served by the 1999 Constitution as amended, with the responsibility of providing legislative oversight over the executive appointment. One of the ways this responsibility is discharged is through the confirmation of key appointments, such as those of the Chief of the Defence Staff and other service chiefs,” he said.
He emphasised that the screening was not a formality but a key process to ensure accountability, transparency, and public confidence in the leadership of the nation’s armed forces.
“The process is not merely ceremonial. It is a critical mechanism for ensuring accountability, transparency, and public confidence in our national security relations. Through it, we seek to ascertain the professional competence, integrity, vision, and readiness of the nominees to lead our forces in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges,” he stated.
Reps. Benson who said that Nigeria continues to grapple with a wide range of security issues, urged the nominees to demonstrate clear understanding and readiness to provide effective leadership.
“Our country today faces evolving threats, from terrorism and banditry to emerging forms of cyber and maritime insecurity. Nigerians expect results, and we in the House of Representatives share that expectation. Therefore, this screening exercise offers an opportunity to interact candidly with the nominees, ascertain their understanding of the current security landscape, and hear their strategic plans for restoring peace and stability across the Federation,” he added.
He encouraged them to engage with sincerity and present practical ideas that would contribute to national peace and stability.
“To our nominees, I urge you to approach this engagement with openness and clarity. The Committee looks forward to your insights, your priorities, your new ideas, and how you will bring safe to bear in leading our men and women in uniform with courage and professionalism. Finally, let me assure that this Committee will be fair, thorough, and objective,” he assured.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that only the most qualified officers are confirmed to lead the military, describing the screening as part of a shared mission to secure the nation.
“Our goal is to ensure that only the most capable and missionary leaders are confirmed to serve our nation at this critical time. We are partners in progress, united by a shared commitment to Nigeria’s security, peace, and prosperity. Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
