| Post: | Chief |
| Body: | Army Staff |
| Insignia: | Seal for Chief of the Army Staff (Nigeria).svg |
| Insigniacaption: | Seal of the Chief of Army Staff |
| Flag: | Standard for the Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria).svg |
| Flagcaption: | Flag of the Chief of Army Staff |
| Incumbent: | Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede |
| Acting: | yes |
| Incumbentsince: | 30 October 2024 |
| Abbreviation: | COAS |
| Reports To: | Chief of Defence Staff |
| Seat: | Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja |
| Appointer: | President of Nigeria |
| Inaugural: | Kenneth G. Exham Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (indigenous) |
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has been the title of the professional head of the Nigerian Army since 1966.[1] Prior to 1966, the title was General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army (GOCNA). Since 1980, the post has been immediately subordinate to the Chief of Defence Staff, the post held by the head of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The position is often occupied by the most senior officer appointed by the President.[2]
The current Chief of Army Staff (Acting) is Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who succeeded Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died in office in November 2024.[3]
In the chain of command, the Chief of Army Staff reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, who in turn reports to the Defence Minister, accountable to the President of Nigeria.[4] The Statutory duty of the Officer is to formulate and execute policies towards the highest attainment of National Security and operational competence of the Nigerian Army.[5]
Following is a chronological list of officers holding the position of General Officer Commanding (GOC) or Chief of Army Staff (COAS).[6]
Source: [7]