In a bid to tackle rising insecurity, the Chairman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson has called for closer collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, describing cooperative engagement as key to strengthening national stability.
Benson made the remarks while discussing his recent engagements with senior U.S. officials alongside some of his colleagues.
According to Benson, the meetings reinforced a simple truth: Nigeria and the United States are stronger together, adding that Nigeria needs the U.S., just as the U.S. needs Nigeria. He said, “On 19 November 2025, I led a team of relevant committee chairmen to meet a United States delegation led by Cassandra Carraway and Mark Handloff.
This followed the August 13, 2025 consultations with the military-political adviser at the U.S. Embassy, also involving Handloff, and the earlier 15 December 2024 dialogue with the U.S. congressional delegation led by Rep. John James, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside Reps. Young Kim, Sara Jacobs, Jonathan Jackson, and officials of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, led by Amb. Richard Mills Jr”.
“Taken together, these engagements reaffirm our enduring partnership and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria. Rep. James has consistently reiterated the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches”, Benson added.
He noted that both sides agreed on the need to deepen trust, expand U.S. support for Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, strengthen human-rights protections, and enhance legislative diplomacy. “Our vision for Nigeria-United States relations is one in which the global narrative reflects not only our challenges, but also the strength, creativity, and resilience of Nigerian youth, and the bold reforms now underway to restore Nigeria fully to its rightful place as the giant of Africa”, he said.
The lawmaker emphasized that condemnation or confrontation does not benefit Nigeria at this critical juncture in its democratic journey. “What our engagements with U.S. officials have consistently affirmed is that cooperation, collaboration, and constructive partnership are the most effective tools for addressing our security concerns, deepening our democracy, and protecting human rights”.
We remain open to honest dialogue, fair criticism, and mutual accountability, but always within a framework of respect, partnership, and shared strategic interests”, he concluded.
Benson stressed that sustained collaboration and mutual respect between Nigeria and the United States are essential for lasting peace, enhanced security, and the protection of democratic values, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
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