Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs on Wednesday pledged to prioritise collaboration, personnel welfare, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security system.
The assurance came as they appeared before the House of Representatives Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force for screening.
Addressing the joint session, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, said his vast experience in military leadership had equipped him for the national assignment ahead.
“My exposure to national security issues and the responsibilities of senior military leadership has prepared me for this assignment. I will work to bring positive change to our military economy and optimise our operational design and tactics. This is a period for unity, strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and fairness across all services,” he said.
Oluyede assured the legislators that he would prioritise the welfare of personnel and their families while working closely with lawmakers to secure resources to sustain military operations and improve living conditions for troops.
“I intend to prioritise the welfare and well-being of our men and women in uniform and their families. I will engage with the Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force Committees and other stakeholders to ensure troops get what is due to them,” he stated.
Service chiefs outline priorities
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shuaibu, said his leadership would bring renewed energy and tactical precision to the fight against insecurity. He disclosed plans to intensify special-forces training to enhance the Army’s strike capability for both day and night operations.
Shuaibu, who holds engineering and advanced security degrees, referenced his experience across several operational commands.
“Under my command, we were able to rescue 15 Chibok girls from terrorist enclaves and neutralise a number of terrorist commanders. I am determined to bring renewed rigour into our training and ensure our troops are prepared for the roles ahead,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abas, a specialist in over-water warfare and former operations commander, pledged to reposition the Navy for greater operational effectiveness.
“With the appointments and experiences I have had, I understand what it takes to move the Navy forward,” Abas told the lawmakers, promising to leverage his instructional and command background to strengthen maritime security.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice-Marshal Kennedy Aneke, said his tenure would focus on leadership, innovation, and strategic planning to improve the Air Force’s operational readiness.
“Our goal is to advance innovation and strengthen planning and leadership across the Service,” he said, emphasizing staff development, discipline, and mission focus as priorities.
Opening the session, the Committee Chairman and Lagos lawmaker, Babajimi Benson, said the screening was part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), designed to ensure accountability and public trust in the country’s security leadership.
“This process is not merely ceremonial. It is a critical mechanism for ensuring accountability, transparency and public confidence in our national security institutions,” Benson said.
He urged the nominees to present practical strategies for tackling emerging security challenges including terrorism, banditry, and cyber and maritime threats.
“To our nominees: approach this engagement with openness and clarity. Present practical ideas that will contribute to national peace and stability,” he added, assuring them that the committee would be “fair, thorough and objective” in its review.
The committee is expected to present its report to the House in plenary on Thursday.
