President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.
Oluyede, who has been serving in an acting capacity since October 30, was nominated following the death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5.
The president’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. Tinubu cited the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act as the basis for seeking the confirmation.
In the letter, Tinubu highlighted Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and contributions to the military, describing him as “well-suited” for the role.
The Senate referred the confirmation request to its Committee on Army for screening, with instructions to present its findings to the full chamber for further deliberation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in an earlier statement, said Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to lead the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.
Before his appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede was the Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987), he rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Oluyede’s military career spans several key command roles, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He has also participated in major military operations such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
In recognition of his service, Oluyede has received numerous awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Field Command Medal, and Membership in the National Institute.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on his confirmation in the coming days.
