Abuja: Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Benson Babajimi (APC–Lagos), has called for a strategic U.S.–Nigeria partnership to tackle insecurity nationwide.
Babajimi, who made the call in a statement after a roundtable with some senior U.S officials in Abuja on Saturday, said that both countries are stronger together.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria needs the United States just as the United States needs Nigeria.
The rep said that over the last year, there had been regular engagements between relevant committees of the house and senior U.S officials, which reaffirmed the enduring partnership and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria.
According to Babajimi, the officials assured them that the U.S. government is dedicated to supporting Nigeria through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
“At the close of our most recent discussions, both sides agreed on the need to deepen trust, expand U.S. support for Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, strengthen human-rights protections, and enhance legislative diplomacy between our two nations.
“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 now underway to restore Nigeria fully to its rightful place as the giant of Africa.
“What our engagements with U.S. 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.
“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 said.
Babajimi noted that Nigeria would not benefit from condemnation or confrontation at this critical point in its democratic journey.