Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, has stated that the critical bills over which he has over the past few days presided during their public hearing are meant to strengthen the defence architecture of Nigeria.
The hearing was declared open by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, who also brought together the Honourable Minister of Defence, senior military officers, heads of security agencies and government parastatals, veterans’ groups, civil society organisations, subject-matter experts and other key stakeholders from across the country.
Rep. Benson who is the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, said in a statement on his social media handles late Wednesday night, wherein he emphasised the reforms are necessary for the country to conform with global standards.
”Over the past two days, I have had the privilege of presiding over a very productive Public Hearing organised by the House Committee on Defence on several critical Bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture and enhancing the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces.
”As a nation confronting increasingly complex and evolving security challenges, it is imperative that our laws, institutions and policies keep pace with contemporary realities.”
Rep Benson furthered on the importance of the strategic bills:
”These proposed legislative reforms are designed to strengthen military professionalism, improve personnel welfare, enhance military education and training, deepen inter-service coordination, promote strategic research and innovation, and ensure that our defence institutions are better positioned to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.”
He expressed happiness at the, stakeholders contributions at the hearing while adding that it shows the importance of public involvement in lawmaking.
”I am particularly encouraged by the quality of engagement witnessed throughout the hearing. Deliberations were robust, enlightening and solution-driven, with stakeholders providing valuable insights and practical recommendations that will enrich the legislative process and ultimately strengthen the Bills under consideration.
”This engagement once again demonstrates the importance of public participation in lawmaking. The best laws are often those shaped by the collective wisdom, experience and contributions of the people they are intended to serve.
”I sincerely thank all stakeholders who honoured our invitation, submitted memoranda and actively participated in the discussions. Your contributions have further strengthened our resolve to pursue legislative reforms that will bolster national security, enhance institutional effectiveness and contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
“Together, we will continue to build a defence sector that is responsive, resilient and capable of meeting the security demands of the entire country, ” Rep. Benson added.
