Making giant stride to further boost Nigeria–U.S. relations, Rep. Babajimi Benson (JB), Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, representing Ikorodu federal constituency hosted Mark Handloff, the new Military-Political Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in his office, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
The meeting signaled a renewed push for robust legislative diplomacy between the two nations.
The global mutual talks centered on strategic support to boost the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s operational readiness.
Both sides addressed the pressing need to integrate human rights safeguards into military operations.
Rising internal security challenges, including the debate over state police, took center stage.
Plans emerged to strengthen military capacity through targeted assistance and joint programmes.
The dialogue also touched on enhancing regional stability within the ECOWAS security framework.
Opportunities for defence collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) were explored.
Discussions further highlighted welfare improvements for military personnel and greater transparency in procurement.
The engagement reaffirmed Rep. Benson’s, the House Committee on Defence and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas’s led House of Representatives unshakable oversight resolve to protect lives, secure property, and build a safer Nigeria.
