By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has assured that Nigeria’s parliament will give priority attention to all treaties ratified by the country, particularly those relating to humanitarian law.
Kalu made this commitment on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the High-Level International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Dialogue 2026. The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria.
Addressing participants, the Deputy Speaker said the theme of the dialogue, “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes,” underscores the urgent need to align Nigeria’s legal commitments with practical outcomes that directly impact citizens.
He explained that complementarity reflects the interconnected roles of institutions, policies, and enforcement mechanisms in delivering justice and humanitarian protection. According to him, no single institution can achieve these goals in isolation.
Kalu commended the collaboration among key government ministries and agencies, noting that their joint efforts signal a strong national commitment to upholding humanitarian principles, even amid security challenges, displacement, and disaster situations.
“Nigeria, like many nations, continues to confront complex humanitarian realities,” he said, adding that international humanitarian law remains essential in protecting vulnerable groups such as civilians, women, and children affected by conflict.
Reaffirming the role of the legislature, Kalu stressed that the House of Representatives would not only fast-track the domestication of relevant treaties but also strengthen oversight to ensure their effective implementation.
He noted that the 10th National Assembly is operating with renewed unity and purpose, enabling faster legislative action on critical national issues. As a result, bills related to humanitarian law treaties will receive expedited consideration.
Kalu further pledged continued collaboration with the executive arm of government to fully integrate global humanitarian standards, including the Geneva Conventions, into Nigeria’s legal and operational systems.
The Deputy Speaker also praised the committee organising the dialogue for its leadership and coordination, describing its efforts as vital to strengthening compliance and promoting a more humane society.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps toward protecting vulnerable populations, emphasizing that the effectiveness of any legal system should ultimately be measured by its impact on human lives.
