Deputy Speaker, Kalu Joins Okonjo-Iweala In Geneva, Champions Multilateralism, African Trade (Video)

Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR, has joined global parliamentary leaders at the 55th Session of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO) taking place at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Kalu’s participation follows his appointment as a member of the WTO Steering Committee, representing Nigeria alongside members from eight other countries, including the European Parliament. The conference brings together key policymakers to strengthen parliamentary engagement with the WTO, which is currently led by its Director-General, Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Speaking upon his arrival in Switzerland on Tuesday, the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting multilateralism and advancing fair, inclusive trade systems that benefit developing economies.

“I am honored to join Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and fellow Steering Committee Members on this global assignment to strengthen parliamentary engagement and interaction with the work of the WTO,” Kalu said.

“I remain committed to ensuring that Africa’s voice, and Nigeria’s voice in particular, resonates strongly in shaping the future of global trade governance. Our mission is to reinforce multilateralism, advance fair and inclusive trade, and guarantee that no nation is left behind in the evolving global economy.”

Kalu’s participation aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring shared prosperity. His role at the Geneva conference is expected to advance Nigeria’s interests in global trade negotiations and strengthen the country’s position in shaping policies that foster inclusive growth.

This follows Kalu’s earlier interventions at the IPU High-Level Meeting in New York earlier this year, where he called for a review of the current funding structure of the United Nations. He argued that reliance on a few major donor countries undermines multilateralism and urged for reforms to ensure more equitable decision-making.

“The prevailing dependency on a few major donor countries allows these nations to dictate priorities—embodied in the adage, ‘he who pays the piper dictates the tune,’” Kalu said in New York. “Expanding funding participation will reduce undue influence, foster equity, and facilitate greater cooperation in achieving the SDGs.”

Through his membership of the WTO Steering Committee, Kalu is expected to push for stronger parliamentary oversight and engagement in trade-related matters, ensuring that the benefits of global trade reach grassroots communities in Nigeria.

Analysts believe his presence in Geneva will help amplify Africa’s demand for a fairer trade regime, one that addresses structural imbalances and supports sustainable economic development across the continent.