Abuja — The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has called for enhanced partnerships with Australia and Rwanda to promote women’s representation in governance, strengthen security, and develop Nigeria’s mining sector.
In separate meetings held on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, Kalu engaged with delegations from both countries, led by Australia’s High Commissioner Leilani Bin-Juda and Rwanda’s Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo.
The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including gender equality, constitutional reforms, and sustainable economic growth through mining.
Highlighting Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, Kalu emphasized the vast potential of the mining sector to drive economic development. “Nigeria is rich in natural resources, and the mining sector offers huge potential for growth and development,” he stated.
Recognizing Australia’s global expertise in mining, Kalu urged for collaboration to share best practices, innovative technologies, and sustainable methods for responsible resource extraction.
He further stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment that attracts foreign investment while ensuring local communities benefit from mining activities.
“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,” he added.
Kalu also informed the Australian delegation about Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review, which places a significant focus on gender equality and human rights.
He highlighted the Gender Bills under consideration, including House Bill 1349, which proposes reserved seats for women in legislative bodies — a critical step toward balanced representation.
Moreover, the deputy speaker touched on the sensitive issue of capital punishment, explaining that Nigeria is currently reviewing its legal framework on this matter. “The issue is complex and requires thorough discussion and consideration,” Kalu remarked.
Australian High Commissioner Leilani Bin-Juda reaffirmed her country’s interest in deepening ties with Nigeria, particularly in mining, trade, and investment. She commended ongoing collaborations, including recent talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and upcoming joint mining projects with the Ministry of Mines and Steel.
On the Rwandan front, Kalu sought to strengthen bilateral relations by highlighting shared aspirations for peace, stability, and development. He underscored the significance of inter-parliamentary cooperation as a mechanism for shaping policies that drive economic growth and social progress.
“Legislative bodies in our countries are instrumental in shaping policies that promote economic growth, social development, and cultural exchange,” Kalu said.
He expressed optimism about learning from Rwanda’s exemplary record on women’s political representation, where women hold over 63% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and nearly 54% in the Senate — the highest globally.
Rwandan Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo responded by proposing increased cooperation in parliamentary oversight, law drafting, technology, and establishing a parliamentary friendship group to deepen institutional ties between the two countries.
The meetings mark a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to harness international partnerships to advance critical reforms and sustainable economic development, with a clear focus on empowering women and leveraging the mining sector as a growth engine.
