Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, has stressed the importance of closer security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, arguing that the partnership is essential to confronting Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and other strategic challenges.
Speaking after a series of engagements with senior US officials, Benson said the discussions reinforced the view that both countries “are stronger together,” insisting that Nigeria’s security architecture will benefit significantly from sustained US support.
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He informed that he, alongside a group of relevant committee chairmen, met a US delegation led by Cassandra Carraway and Mark Handloff on 19 November 2025. The meeting followed earlier consultations on 13 August with the military–political adviser at the US Embassy, also involving Handloff.
“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 US government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” he said.
According to Benson, the latest round of discussions ended with both sides agreeing on the need to deepen trust, expand US assistance in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts, strengthen human-rights protections and enhance legislative diplomacy between the two nations.
He added that the future of Nigeria–US relations should focus on shifting global perceptions of Nigeria to reflect “the strength, creativity and resilience” of its youth, as well as the “bold reforms now underway to restore Nigeria fully to its rightful place as the giant of Africa”.
Benson stressed that Nigeria “does not benefit from condemnation or confrontation” at a delicate stage in its democratic development. Instead, he argued, constructive engagement remains the most effective tool for addressing insecurity and governance concerns.
“What our engagements with US 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,” he said.
“We remain open to honest dialogue, fair criticism and mutual accountability, but always within a framework of respect, partnership and shared strategic interests. These are the surest pathways to a more peaceful, more stable and more prosperous Nigeria, in a manner that advances the long-term interests, values and security of both Nigeria and the United States” he added.
