Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, in company of members of his committee hosted the acting Political Counsellor of the Embassy of the United States in Nigeria, Dianna Palequin and the Political-Military Officer, Mark Handloff.
The meeting which held at Rep. Benson’s office, National Assembly, Abuja, focused on defence cooperation, key security developments in Nigeria and the growing importance of legislative diplomacy in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, the discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and the critical role of strategic partnerships in addressing terrorism, maritime insecurity and other emerging threats.
Rep Benson emphasised the house committee also used the opportunity to stress efforts of the House of Representatives towards reforms in the Nigerian defence sector.
”I seized the opportunity to emphasise the commitment of the House of Representatives to defence sector reforms, stronger oversight, police reforms, strengthening local governance and expanding Nigeria’s defence industrial capacity.
”We both underscored the need to deepen cooperation between our two states, given our shared strategic interests and Nigeria’s central role in regional stability,” Rep. Benson submitted.
