THE National Assembly, on Wednesday solicited for the continued support of the United States Air War College in combating security challenges facing the country.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, Sen Mohammed Lafiagi, and Chairperson House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon Nnena Elendu-Ukeje solicited for the support during an interactive session with visiting delegation of US Air War College.
Senator Lafiagi noted that, Nigeria’s internal security challenge assumed a complex dimension as a result of foreign links to international terrorism groups, over the past 10 years, saying that, “Nigeria’s efforts at addressing terrorism is facilitated in both the country’s internal and external fronts.”
According to him, “In its effort to address terrorism, Nigeria is a signatory to the Rome Statute against torture, International Court of Justice (ICJ), passed the anti-terrorism Act 2015 and anti-money laundering Act .”
The Senator who commended the establishment of the multi-national joint task force among Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger as well as collaboration with the US military in the area of intelligence sharing against Boko Haram in the North East of Nigeria.
He noted that, “Approximately in the last decade; however, the situation has assumed a complex dimension as a result of foreign links to cells of international terrorism groups.”
While also soliciting for US support, Hon Elendu-Ukeje commended the long bilateral relationship between Nigeria and United States.
She however, stressed the need for more military engagement between both countries.
Also, chairman, Nigeria-USA Friendship Group/Inter-parliamentary Relations, Hon Johnson Agbonayima, emphasised the need for improved bilateral relationship and stronger ties between Nigeria and the US.
“Our Legislature though growing is poised towards deepening democratic principles and doctrines. Nigerians are peace loving people determined to conquer all challenges to make Nigeria great among the comity of nations.
“An estimated one million Nigerians and Nigerian Americans, live, study and work in the United States, undoubtedly contributing in building a better America.
“The National Assembly is committed to good governance, social security, due process and transparency in our dear nation.
“We are strongly in the era of fight against corruption; the need to build institutions to fight the menace is paramount in the minds and act of all lawmakers.
Col Patrick Dowle, the US Attaché’, said that they were here in Nigeria to learn about the priorities, procedures and challenges as well as the future of US and Nigeria relations.
He maintained that, members of the delegation are the future leaders of the US military, he emphasised the need for them to study African history, economics and politics in the view to address the challenges facing African continent.
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