The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has called on the United Kingdom Parliament to intensify its support for the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
He made this appeal during an interactive session with Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at Westminster. The meeting, hosted by Hon. Kate Osamor, was part of Kalu’s official visit aimed at fostering the UK-Nigeria Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue.
Earlier, Hon. Kalu met with the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London.
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During the CPA meeting, key discussions centered on Kalu’s role as Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. Notably, his legislative efforts to introduce special seats for women in Nigeria’s Parliament were highlighted. He emphasized the significance of this initiative in addressing the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics and sought the UK’s support to advance this reform.
Additional discussions covered critical issues such as security, trade relations between Nigeria and the UK, and other mutual interests. On security, Kalu commended the UK’s contributions to training over 30,000 Nigerian soldiers, which has strengthened Nigeria’s capacity to address security challenges.
Regarding trade, Kalu advocated for an increase in bilateral trade, urging the UK to reclaim its position as a leading trading partner. He noted that countries like China and France are rapidly expanding their trade relationships with Nigeria and called on the UK to bridge the gap, given its historical ties with Nigeria.
Kalu also discussed his Peace in the South East Project, which promotes non-violent approaches to peace-building in Nigeria, and appealed for the UK’s support in advancing the initiative.
Highlighting the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Kalu underscored recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange market interventions, regional development initiatives, tax reforms, and efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy from fossil fuels. He also touched on Nigeria’s climate change commitments and their global implications.
Hon. Kate Osamor, in welcoming Kalu, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment as a strategic partner to Nigeria. She commended President Tinubu’s establishment of the South East Development Commission, describing it as a crucial step toward fostering greater integration in the region. Ms. Osamor, who shares Nigerian heritage, expressed optimism about the commission’s potential to address post-civil war challenges in the South East.
Ms. Osamor also announced the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s planned visit to Nigeria in March 2025, expressing enthusiasm for engaging with stakeholders during the trip.
Other UK Parliament members present included Rt. Hon. David Mundell, Dr. Beccy Cooper, and Lord Oates. Hon. Kalu’s delegation featured Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, and Hon. Ibe Okwara.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts, symbolizing the continued partnership and goodwill between the two nations.
