Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson has stated that recent diplomatic meetings between Nigeria and officials of the United States of America (USA) are strategic indications the two countries are stronger together in promoting each other’s strategic interests.
Rep. Benson, who is a three -term lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, also said that the country is open to objective and constructive criticisms, partnership and cooperation to move its democracy forward.
The lawmaker led a high -powered delegation on November the 19th that met with US officials which was a follow -up to the earlier one in August
“Our recent high-level engagements with senior U.S. officials have reinforced a simple truth: Nigeria and the United States are stronger together.
“On 19 November 2025, I led a team of key committee chairmen to meet a U.S. delegation led by Ms. Cassandra Carraway and Mr. Mark Handloff; building on earlier consultations on 13 August 2025 with the U.S. Embassy’s military-political adviser Mr Handloff, and the 15 December 2024 dialogue with a 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 Embassy officials led by Amb. Richard Mills Jr.
“Across these meetings, one message was clear: both nations remain committed to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria.”
Rep Benson informed that the meeting agreed on approaches to security matters, promoting human -rights and deepening legislative diplomacy.
“Rep. James has also reaffirmed U.S. support through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches consistently. We agreed to deepen trust, strengthen human-rights protections, expand U.S. support against insurgency, and enhance legislative diplomacy.
“Our vision is a partnership that highlights not only Nigeria’s challenges but also the strength and creativity of our youth, and the bold reforms underway to restore Nigeria’s place as the giant of Africa.
“At this critical moment in our democracy, condemnation does not move us forward— constructive partnership does. Cooperation, honest dialogue, and mutual accountability remain the most effective tools for securing our nation and protecting human rights.
“We stay open to fair criticism and sincere engagement — but always within a framework of shared strategic interests. This is the surest path to a peaceful, stable, and more prosperous Nigeria, in a way that advances long-term security for both Nigeria and the United States,” Rep. Benson submitted.
