Nigeria is actively aligning its legislative agenda with global demands for sustainable social development and justice, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said on Sunday at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Speaking during a session themed “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” Kalu highlighted Nigeria’s recent strides in lawmaking, particularly the establishment of four new regional development commissions and the enactment of a revised minimum wage bill.
“Nigeria has taken decisive steps to meet the global demand for sustainable social development and justice,” he stated. “Our legislative achievements in recent years bear testament to our unflinching commitment.”
The Deputy Speaker explained that the creation of regional development commissions represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to governance and resource distribution. According to him, these commissions are designed to address region-specific challenges and promote equitable growth across the country.
“These bodies are dynamic institutions tasked with channeling resources where they are needed most,” Kalu said. “By decentralizing our development efforts, we are breaking away from the one-size-fits-all approach.”
He further cited the passage of the new minimum wage bill as aD cornerstone of Nigeria’s push for economic justice, arguing that the legislation not only protects workers’ rights but also stimulates productivity and growth.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its tax reform initiatives, Kalu noted that the parliament has backed these reforms with strengthened oversight mechanisms to promote transparency, compliance, and accountability in government spending.
Despite these strides, Kalu raised concerns about Africa’s growing debt burden, which he said poses a serious obstacle to the continent’s development goals. “Our public finances are strained under the weight of debt,” he said. “This makes it increasingly difficult to meet our social development targets.”
Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a just and inclusive society. “Our journey is anchored in the values of human dignity, equity, and sustainable progress,” Kalu concluded.
The IPU Assembly brought together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss pathways to inclusive development through legislative action.