Lawmakers confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff, following a successful screening by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army. 

This confirmation comes after Oluyede had served as Acting Chief of Army Staff since the death of his predecessor, General Taoreed Lagbaja, in November 2024.

Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, who presented the report during plenary, commended Oluyede’s qualifications, experience, and performance during his tenure as acting COAS. 

“General Olufemi Oluyede is fit and proper for this position. He gave an excellent account of himself during the screening, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of military strategies and tactics,” Benson said.

The committee reviewed Oluyede’s CV, questioning him on several pertinent issues, including inter-agency synergy, civilian-military relations, the war on terror, insurgency, and banditry.”

Benson highlighted Oluyede’s vast experience, particularly in war zones similar to the security challenges Nigeria faces, as a key asset in his confirmation.

“The nominee has displayed exemplary leadership and strategy during his acting tenure, and we are satisfied with his qualifications, conduct, and strategic vision,” Benson added.

Following the recommendation from the committee, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, asked the House to approve the confirmation, which was passed unanimously by lawmakers.

Oluyede, in his testimony, expressed his commitment to leveraging his extensive military experience to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency. 

He pledged to ensure transparency in military operations and to prioritise the welfare of soldiers under his command.

With his confirmation, Oluyede becomes the 24th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.