In a screening before the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Defence and Army, acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, pledged to restore lasting peace across Nigeria if confirmed as the permanent COAS.
The screening, which took place at the National Assembly in Abuja on November 27, 2024, saw Oluyede emphasizing the need for unity in tackling the country’s security challenges.
Oluyede stressed the importance of strong bilateral and multilateral alliances with neighboring countries and enhanced collaboration between Nigeria’s security agencies.
He expressed confidence that these efforts, in partnership with the National Assembly, would restore peace across the nation.
The acting COAS also highlighted his more than 30 years of experience in the Nigerian Army, noting his prior role in the senior operational and management levels of the force, which has prepared him for the responsibilities of COAS.
Oluyede reflected on the recent loss of the former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away in November 2024, and spoke of the opportunity to continue his work.
Oluyede’s nomination comes as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy to strengthen the military and security sector in Nigeria.
Addressing the House Committee, Oluyede acknowledged the current security environment, calling for collective action from all Nigerians.
He stressed the need for tactical aircraft to enhance military operations and cited robust cooperation among the Armed Forces as key to securing better outcomes for national security.
Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges require innovative strategies to address both conventional and emerging threats, including insurgency, banditry, and cyber threats.
He noted the importance of the military being well-equipped and trained to face these new challenges.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, also conducted a closed-door screening of Oluyede. Yar’Adua recognized the challenges Nigeria faces, including insurgency and criminality, and commended the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts. He underscored the importance of Oluyede’s professional skills, vision for military funding, and welfare of personnel in the screening process.
Both the House and Senate committees are expected to review the outcomes of the screening, with the final decision to be made soon.
This comes at a time when security dynamics are shifting, requiring the military to adapt to new and complex threats to Nigeria’s safety and stability.
The role of COAS, if confirmed, will play a crucial part in navigating these challenges and ensuring the country’s security landscape is effectively managed.
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