The National Assembly is ready to work with the Armed Forces to ensure the security of the nation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has said.

Tambuwal made the pledge on Wednesday night at the graduation dinner organised by the National Defence College (NDC) for its graduating Course 21 participants.

He said the NASS had been working with the leadership of the Armed Forces to ensure that its officers and men "are properly motivated, and well trained".

"In the area of training, we are interested in collaborating with the NDC to ensure that we have properly trained personnel that can withstand the challenges of the security environment in the 21st Century.

"There is need for greater collaboration between the House Committee on Defence and the college, to further the goals and objectives of the security sector reforms."

Tambuwal, Tambuwal, who was represented by Rep. Leo Oghor, the Deputy House Leader, expressed the willingness of the NASS to participate in initiatives aimed at revamping the security sector.

He said that as far as good governance was concerned, the NASS would continue to make laws "that will ensure accountability and transparency in governance".

The speaker said democracy could only be sustained if the leaders remain connected to the people and continue to meet their needs.

"I must commend the members of the armed forces for their patriotism and willingness to take on additional responsibility to tackle the challenges caused by ethnic and religious militants.

"For you distinguished participants, the course you have just finished has prepared you for higher commands, particularly at a time when our nation is faced with a plethora of challenges in the area of security and governance."

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the participants, who distinguished themselves during the course, were given awards.

Dignitaries at the event included Mrs Olusola Obada, the Minister of State for Defence; Mr Ismaila Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry; service chiefs and top military officers. (NAN)