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At the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nigeria underscored its dedication to advancing social justice and sustainable development through strategic policy reforms and legislative action.
Speaking on the theme *“Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,”* Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, highlighted Nigeria’s recent reforms as examples of how parliaments can drive national transformation.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s parliament has taken concrete steps to align with global development goals, especially in areas that foster equity, inclusion, and regional empowerment.
“We’ve made bold legislative choices that reflect our deep commitment to sustainable development and justice for all,” Kalu said in his address.
A major highlight of Nigeria’s efforts is the establishment of four regional development commissions, created to serve as flexible and responsive mechanisms for addressing the unique needs of different parts of the country. These bodies are aimed at channeling resources where they are most needed, ensuring that development is tailored, not uniform.
“This approach moves us away from a centralised, generic model,” he explained. “It allows regions to design solutions that reflect their realities and priorities.”
Kalu also referenced the recently passed Minimum Wage Bill, which he described as a crucial move toward economic fairness and worker protection. He noted that ensuring fair compensation plays a vital role in driving productivity and national stability.
In addition, he applauded the tax reform agenda introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying it marks a significant shift towards improving public finance systems and encouraging inclusive growth.
“Our policies are backed by robust oversight,” Kalu added. “Parliament is strengthening its accountability mechanisms to ensure that public resources are well-managed and used transparently.”
While noting the strides Nigeria has made, the Deputy Speaker also raised concerns about Africa’s growing debt profile, warning that excessive borrowing could hinder development efforts across the continent.
