The House of Representatives has confirmed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Nigeria’s 24th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by Hon. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, during Thursday's plenary session.
While presenting the report, Hon. Benson commended Oluyede’s qualifications and vision for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. “Major General Oluyede is a seasoned officer with a remarkable track record in the Nigerian Army. His plans to address insecurity are comprehensive and promising,” Benson said.
The confirmation came after Oluyede appeared before the joint House Committees on Army and Defence on Wednesday, where he detailed his career achievements and strategies for curbing insecurity. He pledged to prioritize intelligence-driven operations and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, lauded Oluyede’s dedication. “We are confident that General Oluyede will bring a renewed vigor to our efforts in restoring peace and stability across the country,” Kalu stated.
Meanwhile, the House has resolved to deliberate on the controversial tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu earlier this year.
During Thursday’s session, Kalu announced that discussions on the bills would begin during a special session slated for Tuesday next week. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders to ensure the reforms are well-structured.
“Tax reform is critical for our nation’s economic growth,” Kalu said. “We will invite experts and resource persons to provide insights and ensure the bills reflect the aspirations of all Nigerians.”
The four tax reform bills, submitted to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, were based on recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Tax Reforms Committee.
The bills aim to address outdated tax laws, improve compliance, and increase government revenue. Kalu stressed that the deliberations would be thorough. “Our goal is to ensure the reforms are clear, fair, and effective,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the House held a two-hour closed-door session to discuss the bills before reaching a consensus on the way forward.
The confirmation of the new COAS and the focus on tax reform underscore the House’s commitment to tackling pressing national challenges.
