Tag: Benjamin Kalu

…says FDI increase to $6.4 billion in 2024

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that the decision of President Bill Ahmed Tinubu to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) other known as petrol saved about 10 billion dollars for the country in 2023.

Kalu who spoke at a meeting with some investors and a group of scholars at Oxford University in London also disclosed that efforts by the Tinubu government to promote economic growth and development has led to a significant increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country worth about $6.4 billion in 2024.

A statement signed by the chief press secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted the Deputy Speaker as saying that the policies of the government has also led to a 22% increase in dollar remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora, totaling $28 billion in 2024.

Kalu who is at the head of a delegation from the House to ongoing UK-Nigeria Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue, including Chris Nkwonta, Ginger Onwusibe and Ibe Okwara spoke on four key areas of politics, security, economy and development. 

Others at the parley included Dr. Christopher Nwadiba, Fellow at Oxford University; Dr. Dyedra Morrissey, Lecturer at Said Business School, Oxford University; Dr. Nwirivu Rupara, Engr. Jackson Offor and Ms. Sandra Elias, all of Oxford University.

According to the Deputy Speaker,bthe subsidy removal has enabled the government to redirect funds to critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, adding that the economic gains from the subsidy removal have been complemented by other notable achievements, including a 3.19% increase in Nigeria’s GDP in Q2 2024. 

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He explained that the Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in the areas of politics, security, economy and development which reflected the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives. 

Kalu highlighted the strengthening of democratic institutions through legislative reforms, including the passage of the South East and North West Development Commission Acts.

He stressed that the government has also enhanced electoral integrity through technology-driven processes, leading to increased political engagement among Nigeria’s youth.

On security, the Deputy Speaker said there has been a 47% reduction in incidents of banditry in the North-West between Q2 2023 and Q4 2024,adding that collaborative operations between the Nigerian Armed Forces and regional counterparts have resulted in the capture of over 1,500 insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin.

In the development sector, the Deputy Speaker said that government has launched various initiatives aimed at promoting technological advancement and innovation.

He revealed that the National Digital Economy Policy (2023-2030) will to increase internet penetration from 49% to 70% by 2027 adding that the launch of the Nigeria Start-Up Act has also spurred tech innovation, securing over £300 million in venture capital funding in 2024.

Kalu assured that more economic opportunities abound in Nigeria for investors, asking them to consider the country as the next business destination, while calling for international collaborations to strengthen socio-economic advancements in the country.

He said: “The fulcrum of our democracy is the legislature. If you support the legislature, you’re supporting democracy. What the current administration has done is to support this arm of government full well to make sure that our representation in our various constituencies are visible.

“The visibility of our legislative interventions is more in our rural areas. The President’s administration’s objective will be made visible because our legislative agenda is in sync with his own objectives. 

“He has identified that development commission should be a structure for pushing down the dividends of democracy to the grassroots and therefore he has started with what we call development commissions.  

“I sponsored one of the bills called the South-East Development Commission and why I moved that bill is because, my zone, your zone, your heritage passed through war. About 3 million people lost their lives. 

“That healing that’s supposed to take place didn’t take place. The 3Rs promise made then was not kept and that gave birth to agitation, conflict, insecurity in that area. I said no, it’s about time we changed the dynamics and the narratives.

“The President understood the agitation in the hearts of the people in the region because they felt alienated and marginalised. He opened his eyes to the need of more development in the area and he assented to that bill to become law. So, today we have SEDC Act and he has gone ahead to fund it in the 2025 budget for the reconstruction of the area.

“It was a private member bill that originated from the parliament and he assented to it. That shows you a President that is willing to listen, a people-oriented president running the government of the people, by the people,  for the people.”

In his contribution, Dr. Nwirivu Rupara, a Zimbabwean Investor at event said African leaders should encourage initiatives that will improve intra-African trade, describing the current statistics for trade among African countries as poor.

He expressed interest in the exploration of the green metals available in Nigeria and made a commitment to further the conversation at subsequent meetings.

Similarly, a Fellow at Oxford University, Dr. Christopher Nwadibia expressed keen affiliation with Nigeria having been born of a Nigerian father. 

He said there were many of them in the diaspora academic community willing to reconnect with Nigeria and leverage their contacts within foreign governments especially in the United Kingdom and United States of America to advance Nigerian causes. 

Also speaking, Jackson Offor also from Oxford University said he was interested in opportunities in the energy sector in Nigeria and commended the Deputy Speaker for succinctly highlighting the inherent opportunities in the sector especially renewable energy in line with current climate change realities.

The parties agreed to host their next parley in Nigeria where other stakeholders will join the conversations  on Africa, her opportunities and how best to maximize the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA). 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has welcomed over 3,000 new members from different political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

The mass defection occurred in Akwete, Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia during an empowerment programme by the member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency of the State in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta.

Addressing the gathering, Kalu revealed that an influx of more defectors to the party is imminent, adding that it was a reflection of the people’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown commitment to Igbo people’s development, especially through the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

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He said that the establishment of the Commission would essentially cater to the infrastructure needs of the region.

It will be recalled that Nkwonta, who chairs the House Committee on South East Development Commission recently defected to the APC from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Kalu said: “The President has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man who remembered Ndigbo after 54 years when a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo. He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the development of the South East region, particularly Abia State.

Kalu made the statement on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Abia airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North local government area of Abia state.

Expressing gratitude to the President for approving the project, Kalu also highlighted the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a significant, people-oriented initiative that reflects Tinubu’s dedication to the region.

He assured Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, of the Parliament’s support to ensure the airport’s swift completion through adequate budgetary provisions.

He said: “I want to assure you that the President we have today is a President that is delibrate, intentional about developing the south East region. He is not mincing words about it. He is a lover of South East. We thank you, Mr. President for being intentional about Abia State. 

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“When the letter got to me, I called Hon. Ginger and said, please, take this letter straight to Gov. Otti. We will keep looking for avenues to develop Abia State.

“I want to assure you (Governor Otti) that we are going to cooperate with you in finishing any project started in collaboration with you. Let’s all join hands and build Abia.”

It will be recalled that the Deputy Speaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency of the State played a significant role in attracting the project including giving the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa/Isiala South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe the project letter received from the federal authorities to convey to the Governor for his buy-in on the vital infrastructure. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated Senate President Godswill Akpabio on his 62nd birthday, praising his exceptional leadership, wisdom, and dedication to Nigeria’s democracy.

Kalu highlighted Akpabio’s achievements as governor of Akwa Ibom State, describing them as a lasting legacy. 

He also lauded Akpabio’s historic election to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which ended Nigeria’s 59-year absence from the global legislative body’s top ranks, calling him a “jinx breaker.”

Acknowledging Akpabio’s political journey, Kalu commended his commitment to good governance, accountability, and the rule of law, noting that these qualities have earned him nationwide admiration and respect.

Kalu prayed for God’s blessings upon Akpabio, wishing him long life, good health, and continued wisdom in his service to the nation.

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He said: “Your Excellency, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your birthday. Today marks a significant milestone in your life, and I am honored to celebrate this special day with you.

“Your commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law has earned you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and the nation at large.

“As you celebrate another year of life, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, wisdom, and strength to continue serving our nation with distinction.

“Please accept my heartfelt felicitations, and may this special day be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with family and friends.”

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said perennial flooding which displaces millions of Nigerians and causes outbreak of diseases, such as cholera and conflicts, are major threats to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

Kalu spoke at the launch of an updated 2024 countrywide risk analysis for Nigeria by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday in Abuja.

The Deputy Speaker said the challenges that annual flooding causes should be handled as critical issues, hence the need for concerted efforts to ensure a safer, more resilient nation.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen early warning systems by leveraging the real-time monitoring tools for flood alerts.

According to him, such tools should be codified into the national disaster response framework.

Kalu said: “It is with a deep sense of national duty that I address this nationally important gathering at the launch of the updated 2024 Countrywide Risk Analysis for Nigeria. This landmark work is both timely and essential, particularly as we face an increasingly complex risk landscape that threatens lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure across our nation.

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“The findings of this analysis underscore critical issues: flooding and epidemics remain major threats to the safety and well-being of our citizens. In 2022, for example, flooding displaced over 1.4 million Nigerians and caused wanton economic losses.

“According to available data, conflict and violence incidents have caused widespread displacement and exacerbated vulnerabilities in communities nationwide. Epidemics, such as cholera, continue to expose gaps in health infrastructure and resilience mechanisms. As the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, I reaffirm our commitment to leveraging these insights for robust policymaking.

“The legislative arm of government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that Nigeria’s risk management strategies are backed by appropriate laws and budgets. In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to put forward legislation prioritising disaster risk reduction, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring equitable resource distribution to vulnerable communities.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu said on Thursday that family planning is not just a health intervention; but a key driver of sustainable development, which should be elevated as a national priority.

Kalu, who spoke on Thursday at the 8th Nigeria family planning conference in Abuja said  empowering individuals and families with the autonomy to make informed reproductive health choices saves lives, reduces maternal and infant mortality, and fosters socio-economic progress. 

While lamenting that despite progress, challenges remain, the Deputy Speaker commended the federal government’s commitment to allocate 1% of the health budget to family planning, saying that it should inspire state-level counterparts to follow suit. 

Citing a report that every $1 invested in contraceptive services saves $3 in maternal and newborn healthcare costs, Kalu agrees that the savings can be redirected to education, infrastructure, and healthcare to unlock Nigeria’s demographic dividend.

He said that by working together, they will ensure that family planning remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Nigeria. 

The Deputy Speaker said: “The backdrop of our discussions is inspiring and urgent. As the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare leads the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) agenda, we are reminded of the transformative potential of unified strategies in addressing health challenges. 

“Moreover, the FP2030 global board meeting taking place in Nigeria underscores our central role in shaping the future of family planning on the global stage. Addressing these gaps requires us to work together and adopt the principles of the Three Ps of Public Policy.

“We must develop data-driven and evidence-based strategies informed by tools such as the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. This data empowers us to design interventions that are responsive to the unique needs of our diverse population. 

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“Prioritization: Family planning must be elevated as a national priority. The government’s commitment to allocate 1%of the health budget to family planning is commendable and should inspire state-level counterparts to follow suit. 

“Policies must translate into measurable outcomes. The accountability scorecards developed by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) exemplify the importance of tracking investments and ensuring that resources reach those who need them most. 

“This conference provides a platform for me to implore you to strengthen partnerships with intervention initiatives like PISE-P and other stakeholders who play critical roles in bridging gaps in access and service delivery. 

“Together, we can scale initiatives such as integrating family planning into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, expanding the Mamii program, and engaging religious and community leaders to foster trust and advocacy.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that the ravaging flood which displaced millions of Nigerians and prompted the outbreak of diseases such as cholera and conflicts has remained a major threat to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

Speaking at the launch of an updated 2024 countrywide risk analysis for Nigeria by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kalu said the findings of the analysis underscore these critical issues remain major threats hence actionable steps are required towards a safer, more resilient Nigeria.

While recalling that in 2022 flooding displaced over 1.4 million Nigerians and caused wanton economic losses, Kalu reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to leverage these insights for robust policymaking, exploring motions and budgetary allocations aimed at increasing funding for NEMA, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to expand their data collection and forecasting capabilities.

He assured that through constituency engagements, legislators can drive risk-informed programs that address local vulnerabilities and build grassroots capacities for disaster response and urged the Federal government to strengthen early warning systems by leveraging the real-time monitoring tools for flood alerts.

Tools like these, he opined should be codified into the national disaster response framework.

While commending NEMA for collaboration with stakeholders, he urged his colleagues in the National Assembly to use the insights provided in this document as a springboard for framing informed legislation, oversight actions, and strategic partnerships that safeguard lives and livelihoods.

The Deputy Speaker said, “It is with a deep sense of national duty that I address this nationally important gathering at the launch of the updated 2024 Countrywide Risk Analysis for Nigeria. This landmark work is both timely and essential, particularly as we face an increasingly complex risk landscape that threatens lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure across our nation.

“The findings of this analysis underscore critical issues: flooding and epidemics remain major threats to the safety and well-being of our citizens. In 2022, for example, flooding displaced over 1.4 million Nigerians and caused wanton economic losses.

“According to available data. Similarly, conflict and violence incidents have caused widespread displacement and exacerbated vulnerabilities in communities nationwide. Epidemics such as cholera continue to expose gaps in health infrastructure and resilience mechanisms. As the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, I reaffirm our commitment to leveraging these insights for robust policymaking.

Read Also: Kalu, Sanusi, Abaribe, others seek cultural leadership reforms for national transformation

“The legislative arm of government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that Nigeria’s risk management strategies are backed by appropriate laws and budgets. In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to put forward legislation prioritizing disaster risk reduction, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring equitable resource distribution to vulnerable communities.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu’s administration provides a clear roadmap for inclusive development. Initiatives like this updated risk analysis are integral to achieving national resilience. Let me emphasize that disaster risk management is not the sole responsibility of the government; it requires a whole-of-society approach.

“I commend the continued support of international agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors. In conclusion, let this launch not only mark the unveiling of a document but also ignite actionable steps towards a safer, more resilient Nigeria. Together, we can mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and strengthen our collective future.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, emphasised on Thursday that enhancing the functionality of local governments, the judiciary, electoral matters, and security is central to the ongoing constitutional review by the parliament.

During a meeting of the House Constitution Review Committee, Kalu highlighted additional key issues such as the devolution of power, gender equality, revenue and fiscal reforms, and human rights.

These topics, he noted, will receive significant attention from the parliament throughout the review process.

Kalu stated that the parliament aims to bolster the autonomy and effectiveness of local government administrations, ensuring they serve as the grassroots foundation of governance.

He also stressed the importance of promoting judicial independence, improving access to justice, and streamlining the administration of justice for all Nigerians, while maintaining the integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral processes.

On security, he said the constitution review will address the urgent need for a more robust and localized security framework to safeguard lives and properties, promote a more equitable distribution of responsibilities between the federal, state, and local governments and advance gender equity, ensuring fair representation and inclusion of women in all spheres of governance.

He said further that the Committee will produce a constitution that will enhance fiscal responsibility, equity in revenue allocation, and economic development across all tiers of government and strengthen the protection and promotion of fundamental rights, reflecting the aspirations of all Nigerians.

Kalu said: “These areas are not just pillars of our constitutional review; they are the foundation for building a more equitable, just, and functional Nigeria.”

“As we all know, constitution amendment is a complex process, requiring the input, consensus, and sacrifice of diverse stakeholders across our federation. This committee has made remarkable progress, but there is still much to be done. I implore you to continue to double your efforts, maintaining the momentum necessary for the success of this national endeavour.

He listed the successes so far recorded by the committee to include successful engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and attendance of the southwest zonal Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures – Southwest Zone.

Kalu said these engagements are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus-building as the bedrock of this constitution review process.

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He disclosed that the House was organizing a National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment scheduled to be held on Monday, 2nd December 2024, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, saying, “This event is a vital platform to consolidate ideas and strategies for achieving a robust local government framework, which is critical to our constitutional review efforts.

“In addition, other engagements that we will be having include public engagement on tax reforms as it concerns the constitution amendment and a public engagement with political parties.”

He stressed that “as we continue in this historic undertaking, let us remain guided by our shared commitment to strengthening our democracy, deepening our federal structure, and fostering unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.”