The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has called for partnerships with Australia and Rwanda to improve women’s representation in governance, security, mining, and other key sectors.
Kalu made this appeal during separate meetings on Thursday with delegations from both countries’ embassies, led by Leilani Bin-Juda from Australia and Christopher Bazivamo from Rwanda, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
In his discussions, Kalu highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of natural resources, emphasizing the significant growth and development potential within the mining sector. Acknowledging Australia’s mining expertise, Kalu sought collaboration to share best practices, advanced technology, and sustainable methods for responsible resource extraction. He also urged Australian partners to support Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review, particularly focusing on gender equality and human rights.
The Deputy Speaker informed both delegations that there are ongoing discussions in Nigeria regarding the re-evaluation of capital punishment within the country’s legal framework, stressing that the issue is complex and requires careful deliberation.
Kalu further discussed the importance of creating an environment that is conducive to attracting foreign investment in Nigeria’s mining sector. He emphasized that such an environment should not only appeal to investors but also ensure that local communities benefit tangibly from mining activities, thereby promoting mutual growth and development.
He said, “By advancing partnerships with Australian mining companies, we can enhance job creation, boost local economies, and ensure that our natural resources contribute to the overall development of Nigeria.”
On constitutional reforms, Kalu added, “The Constitution Review Committee is currently engaged in significant constitutional amendments that seek to address pressing issues within our society. Among these are the gender bills, specifically HB.1349, which addresses the reservation of seats for women in our legislative bodies. This initiative is crucial for enhancing women’s representation in governance, which is essential for a balanced and equitable society.”
Leilani Bin-Juda, the Australian High Commissioner, expressed her country’s keen interest in Nigeria’s mining, trade, and investment sectors. She praised Nigeria for its productive discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January and mentioned plans for a joint mining project with the Ministry of Mines and Steel in the coming weeks.
In his meeting with the Rwandan delegation, Kalu emphasized the need for stronger ties between Nigeria and Rwanda, pointing to their shared goals of peace, stability, and development.
He remarked, “The bonds we have forged over the years are proof of our mutual respect and understanding, and I am optimistic about the potential that lies ahead.”
Kalu also highlighted the significance of inter-parliamentary collaboration in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering regional development.
“Legislative bodies in our countries are instrumental in shaping policies that promote economic growth, social development, and cultural exchange. By enhancing dialogue between our parliaments, we can ensure that our legislative frameworks align with our shared goals and aspirations,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker noted that Nigeria, in the process of its constitutional review, is seeking collaboration and insights from Rwanda, particularly in areas like gender equality and security.
He remarked, “Your nation’s exemplary progress in gender representation, with women holding 63.75% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 53.8% in the Senate, the highest in the world, provides a valuable model for us to learn from.”
In his response, Rwandan Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo expressed a desire to strengthen institutional ties between the legislative bodies of Nigeria and Rwanda. He proposed increased cooperation in areas such as oversight, law drafting, parliamentary technology, and the creation of a parliamentary friendship group.
