The Senate on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, confirmed Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff, with an immediate directive for him to assume office.
Shaibu’s confirmation came shortly after lawmakers cleared General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, marking the official commencement of the screening process for President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed service chiefs.
The confirmation session, held under tight security at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, featured both open and closed-door deliberations as senators scrutinized the nominees.
Presiding over the exercise, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional obligation aimed at ensuring that only the most qualified and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation.
Akpabio urged senators to moderate their questioning, noting that more detailed engagements would take place behind closed doors.
In his remarks, Senator Isah Jubrin (Kogi East) vouched for Shaibu’s integrity and professionalism, describing him as a disciplined officer with a strong sense of duty.
“I have known Major General Shaibu for over 30 years. He is humble, diligent, and deeply committed to his work. I have no doubt he will be an asset to the country,” Jubrin said.
He expressed optimism that the new Army Chief possesses the leadership qualities needed to help Nigeria overcome its current security challenges.
With the confirmation of Shaibu and Oluyede, the Senate has set the stage for a speedy approval of all the newly appointed service chiefs, reinforcing President Tinubu’s drive to rejuvenate the nation’s security architecture.
