The Nigerian Senate will on Wednesday begin the screening of newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu, following their formal submission to the upper legislative chamber for confirmation.
The development was announced during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who said the screening would be conducted in line with constitutional provisions and security protocol.
President Tinubu had earlier forwarded the names of the new service chiefs for confirmation, in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act (Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004). The nominees include the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff.
Senate President Akpabio urged all senators to be present for the session, describing the exercise as “a matter of urgent national importance” given the country’s ongoing security challenges.
“The screening will hold tomorrow, Wednesday. It is important that we assess the competence, experience, and readiness of the nominees to lead our armed forces effectively,” Akpabio said.
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He added that the process would be conducted in a transparent and non-partisan manner to ensure that only capable officers are confirmed to head Nigeria’s military institutions.
The nominees are expected to outline their strategies for tackling terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other national security threats during the session.