NIGERIA SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA, RWANDA ON MINING, GENDER INCLUSION
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By Oduola F.A.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has called for stronger partnerships with Australia and Rwanda to boost women’s participation in governance, security, mining, and other sectors.
He made the appeal during separate meetings on Thursday with delegations from the embassies of both countries — led by Leilani Bin-Juda of Australia and Christopher Bazivamo of Rwanda — at the National Assembly in Abuja.
He told the delegation that Nigeria is rich in natural resources, and the mining sector offers huge potential for growth and development.
Acknowledging Australia’s mining expertise, Kalu sought collaboration to share best practices, technology, and sustainable methods for responsible resource extraction.
He urged Australian partners to support Nigeria’s constitution review, focusing on gender equality and human rights.
The deputy speaker also informed the delegation that discussions are ongoing regarding re-evaluating capital punishment within Nigeria’s legal framework. He informed the delegation that Nigeria is currently discussing the review of capital punishment in its laws.
He stressed that the issue is complex and needs thorough discussion and consideration.
He also spoke about the importance of creating a conducive environment that attracts foreign investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.
He said that the environment should not only appeal to investors but also ensure that local communities derive tangible benefits from mining activities thereby promoting mutual growth and development.
“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.
“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, specifically HB.1349, which addresses 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,” Kalu concluded.
The Australian High Commissioner, Leilani Bin-Juda, reiterated her country’s interest in Nigeria’s mining, trade, and investment sectors.
She also commended Nigeria, noting fruitful discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January, and plans for a joint mining project with the Ministry of Mines and Steel in the coming weeks.
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While addressing the Rwanda delegation, Kalu sought stronger ties between Nigeria and Rwanda, citing shared goals of peace, stability, and development.
He said, “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.”
He stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration in deepening bilateral relations and driving regional development.
“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% of seats 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,” the deputy speaker said.
In his remarks, Rwandan Ambassador, Christophe Bazivamo, aims to strengthen institutional ties between Nigeria and Rwanda’s legislative bodies, proposing cooperation in oversight, law drafting, parliamentary technology, and a parliamentary friendship group.
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