CONSTITUTION REVIEW : KALU SEEKS AUSTRALIA, RWANDA’S COLLABORATION ON MINING, GENDER AND .

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for support from the Australian and Rwandan governments for Nigeria’s efforts to promote women’s representation in governance, improve security, and build a resilient mining sector, among other initiatives. Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, spoke during separate meetings with delegations from the Australian and Rwandan Embassies in Nigeria, led by Leilani Bin-Juda and Christopher Bazivamo, respectively, in Abuja. By Toni Akowe, Nation

Addressing the delegation from the Australian Embassy, the Deputy Speaker noted that Nigeria is endowed with a wealth of natural resources, and the mining industry presents a tremendous opportunity for growth and development.

Recognising Australia’s expertise in mining and resource management, Kalu sought their collaboration in sharing best practices, technology, and sustainable methods that ensure the responsible extraction of the nation’s mineral resources.

He urged the Australian partners to continue supporting Nigeria’s efforts to promote gender equality and human rights through the ongoing constitution review process, expressing optimism that their experiences and strategies in advancing women’s rights could provide invaluable insights as they navigate this journey.

Kalu also informed the delegation that discussions are ongoing regarding the re-evaluation of capital punishment within the legal framework, as this complex issue requires careful consideration and dialogue.

He added that as alternatives to capital punishment, the aim is to align policies with international human rights standards while respecting the sentiments of Nigerian citizens.

He said, “Our goal is to create an enabling environment that attracts foreign investment while ensuring that 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.

“Ongoing Constitutional Amendments, 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, which address 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.”

Addressing the delegation from the Rwandan Embassy, the Deputy Speaker sought enhanced cooperation between the two nations, noting that they both share a commitment to enhancing peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

“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. As we reflect on our bilateral cooperation, it is essential to emphasise the important role of inter-parliamentary collaboration.

“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.

“In particular, as Nigeria embarks on a significant constitutional review process, we seek collaboration and insights from Rwanda, especially in key thematic areas such as Gender and Security. Your nation’s exemplary progress in gender representation, with women holding 63.75% 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,” Kalu said.

Earlier, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Leilani Bin-Juda, stated that their interests range from mining, trade, and investment, amongst others.

She said, “I love Nigeria. There are many interests that we have bilaterally in this country. We held senior officials talks with the ministry of Foreign Affairs in January, It was extremely constructive, many issues were discussed particularly in the mining sector. Our interest here in Nigeria ranges from mining, trade, investment and so on. We are about to launch a project with the Minister of Mines and Steel in a couple of weeks.”

On his part, Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo said the purpose of their visit is to explore how both nations can strengthen institutional linkages between the legislative bodies.

He sought for legislative collaboration in oversight, legislative drafting, and the use of innovation, technology in parliamentary activities, formation of Nigeria-Rwanda parliamentary friendship group and so on.