The House of Representatives has confirmed Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) following the presentation of a report by Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the Committee on Defence.
The confirmation came after Oluyede’s screening by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Army and Defence on Wednesday.
During the screening, Oluyede addressed issues related to inter-agency relations and the challenges facing the military.
Benson, while moving a motion for the consideration of the committee’s report, stated that Oluyede provided satisfactory answers and demonstrated competence in academic and professional qualifications, character, and experience.
“The nominee gave a very good account of himself,” Benson said.
The lower chamber adopted the report and confirmed Oluyede’s appointment. In his remarks during the screening, Oluyede expressed his readiness to lead the Nigerian Army, citing his extensive exposure to national security matters and senior leadership roles over the past five years.
“I see my nomination as a privilege and opportunity to be in the driver’s seat to make positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its constitutional responsibility,” Oluyede said.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, 2024, following the prolonged illness of his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5. Following Lagbaja’s death, Tinubu promoted Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant-general.
Before his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna State.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of major general in September 2020. Oluyede and the late Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
