Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson has underscored the importance of robust collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, stressing that a more effective bilateral engagement is essential for tackling Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.
Representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Benson articulated these views on Saturday, reflecting on his latest discussions with high-ranking U.S. officials regarding security cooperation. He said the series of engagements reaffirmed a central message both countries stand to benefit significantly from a deeper and more coordinated partnership.
A statement issued in Abuja quoted Benson as saying, “On November 19, 2025, I led a team of key Committee Chairmen to meet a United States delegation led by Ms Cassandra Carraway and Mr Mark Handloff.
“This followed consultations on August 13, 2025, with the military-political adviser at the U.S. Embassy also involving Mr Handloff and an earlier dialogue on December 15, 2024, with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Rep John James, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accompanied by Reps Young Kim, Sara Jacobs, Jonathan Jackson, and U.S. Embassy officials led by Ambassador Richard Mills Jr.”
He noted that these repeated engagements reflect “an enduring partnership and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria,” adding that Rep James has consistently affirmed Washington’s willingness to support Nigeria through both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
Benson said both sides agreed on the need to deepen trust, boost U.S. support for counter-insurgency operations, reinforce human-rights protections, and strengthen legislative diplomacy.
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“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 underway to restore Nigeria to its rightful place as the giant of Africa,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria has more to gain from constructive partnership than from confrontation at this stage of its democratic development.
“Our interactions with U.S. officials have consistently shown that cooperation and mutual respect remain the most effective tools for tackling security threats, advancing democratic governance, and upholding human rights,” he added.
According to Benson, Nigeria remains open to fair criticism and honest dialogue, provided such engagement prioritises shared interests and mutual accountability.
“These are the surest pathways to a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous Nigeria one that aligns with the long-term security and strategic priorities of both countries,” he said.
Security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States spans several decades and continues to evolve in response to emerging threats such as terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime. Key areas of collaboration include counterterrorism and military training, defence equipment support, and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
