Senate confirms Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Nigeria’s New COAS

The Senate has confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following a swift screening session at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Shaibu, who appeared before the lawmakers alongside other top military nominees, was directed by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to “take a bow” and assume office immediately after his confirmation.

The confirmation comes barely an hour after the upper chamber also cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking the start of the screening process for President Bola Tinubu’s new military appointments aimed at reinvigorating the country’s security structure.

The exercise, conducted under tight security, featured both open and closed-door sessions as senators scrutinised the nominees’ credentials and service records.

Senator Akpabio, who presided over the proceedings, said the confirmation was in line with the Senate’s constitutional mandate to ensure that only competent and patriotic officers lead Nigeria’s defence institutions.

“The screening is part of our constitutional duty,” Akpabio stated. “It is aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation.”

In a show of confidence, Senator Isah Jubrin, representing Kogi East, commended Shaibu’s character and professional record, saying, “I have known him for 30 years. Shaibu is humble and takes his job very seriously. I believe he has what it takes to move Nigeria out of the security challenges the country is facing today.”

The Senate President added that the confirmation process was designed to ensure discipline, accountability, and professionalism within the Armed Forces, while fostering constructive engagement with the legislature on national security priorities.