IPU Appoints Deputy Speaker, Kalu into WTO”s Steering Committee

Oluwakemi Kindness

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has been invited to join the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (PCWTO), a significant development that will enable Nigeria to benefit from African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) global trade policies and boost trade across Africa.

The invitation contained in a letter dated February 12, 2025 and addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, by the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Martin Chungong.

Kalu who is also the Chairman of the Finance and Administrative Committee of the Economic and West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has been participating in the ongoing high profile meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) holding in New York, United States.

He has been vocal on several issues such as Africa’s inclusion at the Security Council of the United Nations, review of UN funding structure, effective aid coordination to achieve SDGs amongst others.

According to a statement on Saturday by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker’s participation in the PCWTO Steering Committee will mark the first time Nigeria is represented in this committee.

The invitation is largely seen as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade and its commitment to promoting economic development through trade.

The PCWTO Steering Committee is composed of representatives from 25 national parliaments, regional and global parliamentary assemblies, and structures, as well as the IPU and WTO Secretariats.

The committee meets twice a year, alternating between Geneva and Brussels, to ensure the smooth functioning of the conference.

Kalu’s participation in the PCWTO Steering Committee will enable him to work closely with other members, including Nigerian born Director- General of WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also from Abia State, to promote trade as a tool for poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Essentially, this aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.

Also, as a member, Kalu will have the opportunity to keep WTO negotiations under close scrutiny, obtain first-hand information on Doha Round talks, interact with leading WTO negotiators and experts, and exchange information with parliamentary colleagues from other countries.

Kalu’s participation in the meetings is a development expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy and its position in global trade especially as Africa seeks to leverage the WTO to boost trade.

Nigeria’s representation in the PCWTO Steering Committee will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s trade policies and promoting economic development.