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Kalu Apointed Member WTO Steering Committee

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2 years ago

February 16, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rep. 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 was extended by Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), 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, PhD.

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 where 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.

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.

The letter made available to the media read in parts: “Mr. Godswill Akpabio, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, Dear Mr. President,

Dear Mr. Speaker, Since 2002, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament have jointly led a process

known as the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (PCWTO) – a permanent mechanism of parliamentary oversight of the WTO and its de facto parliamentary dimension.

“The principal objective of the Conference is to enhance the external transparency of the WTO and hold it to

account to legislators as elected representatives of the people. A Steering Committee ensures the smooth functioning of the Conference. It is composed of representatives of some 25 national parliaments, regional and global parliamentary assemblies and

structures, as well as the IPU and WTO Secretariats. The Committee usually meets twice a year, alternatively in Geneva and Brussels.

“The composition of the Steering Committee is subject to regular rotation among national parliaments on

the basis of the principles set out in Article 4 of the Conference Rules of Procedure (copy enclosed).

“The Committee is inviting six new parliaments to replace the same number of outgoing members for a period

of four years, commencing in September/October 2025, the date of the next session of the Steering

Committee.

“Participation in the work of the Steering Committee allows legislators to keep WTO negotiations under close scrutiny, regularly obtain first-hand information on Doha Round talks, interact with leading WTO negotiators and experts, and exchange information with parliamentary colleagues from other countries.

“I would like to invite Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu to join the Steering Committee. In that case, I would

then nominate him to the Steering Committee upon approval by the Steering Committee. Considering the

importance of parliaments’ contribution to promoting global trade, I would be most grateful if you could support this invitation.

“The Steering Committee could provide a meaningful support to the work of the WTO only if the members contribute to and participate in its sessions on a regular basis. Therefore, I would be grateful for any arrangements you would make in view of your representative’s regular attendance of these sessions. The Committee works in English and French.

“Deputy Speaker, Kalu would start attending the Steering Committee on the occasion of its 55th session which will take place at the Headquarters of the IPU in September/October 2025. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, Martin Chungong, Secretary-general”.

Related Topics:Abia chairman Nigeria Nigerian Senate

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Nigeria-India Deepen Ties as Trade, Consular Issues Dominate BRICS Talks

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2 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with trade, consular matters, education and cultural cooperation taking centre stage during talks between their foreign ministers in New Delhi.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted by India.

The summit is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, said the welfare of Nigerians living in India was among the major issues discussed by the two ministers.

A key concern was the situation of Nigerians who have overstayed their visas. Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to the Indian authorities for an extension of the existing amnesty arrangement to allow affected Nigerians to return home voluntarily without facing penalties.

The ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

The proposed agreement would establish a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.

On economic relations, the two sides examined opportunities for increasing trade and investment, while stressing the importance of building stronger and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

Education and cultural exchanges also featured in the discussions, with both countries recognising the sectors as important tools for strengthening people-to-people relations.

Greater cooperation in these areas, the statement said, is expected to promote mutual understanding while creating more opportunities for citizens of Nigeria and India.

The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to use its participation in the BRICS platform to strengthen bilateral partnerships, attract greater economic opportunities and advance South-South cooperation.

Nigeria’s engagement with India comes as both countries seek to broaden their areas of cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.

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Nigeria Eyes India’s Tech Edge, Youth Power at BRICS Summit

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2 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria is seeking to tap into India’s experience in technology and youth engagement as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Vice President Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, where Nigeria is expected to pursue opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and industrial development.

The high-level Nigerian delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand economic and diplomatic relations with major emerging economies.

A major focus of Nigeria’s engagement at the summit will be India’s progress in technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, particularly its approach to harnessing its large youthful population.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said India’s experience offered important lessons for Nigeria, especially in agriculture, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and the participation of women in the technology sector.

She said Nigeria was determined to learn from India’s expertise and its “greatest strength” in engaging young people to promote innovation, economic growth and inclusive development.

The minister stressed that India’s ability to deploy technology while creating opportunities for its youthful population could provide useful ideas for Nigeria as it seeks to expand its digital economy and create more opportunities for its young people.

Beyond technology and youth development, Nigeria is expected to use its participation in the BRICS Summit to strengthen economic ties with India and other emerging economies.

The country will also seek to attract investment and expand cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and industrial development as it explores ways of turning its BRICS partnership into tangible economic opportunities.

Nigeria’s participation underscores the Federal Government’s broader push to deepen engagement with emerging economies and strengthen partnerships capable of supporting technology-driven growth and sustainable development.

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Wike: Tinubu privy to my rainbow coalition, says I’m not answerable to APC governors

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2 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of his “Rainbow Coalition” and all his political activities.

Wike made the declaration on Tuesday night while speaking on Arise News Prime Time.

“There is nothing that I do that I don’t tell Mr. President,” he stated.

The FCT Minister said he was mobilizing support across party lines for the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027 under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition.”

He has consistently maintained that his support is solely for the President, and not for the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a party.

Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), said his actions are not done in secret, stressing that the President is carried along at all times.

Wike also said he is not answerable to governors elected on the platform of the APC.

“I’m not answerable to APC governors.

“If people fail to learn from other people, they don’t grow. I took 31 days to commission projects in the FCT and they are not happy,” he added.

Turning to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, Wike said: “Hope Uzodimma should be lucky that I’m not in the APC. Hope fears for nothing.

“When I look at the APC governors who held the press conference, I see some people who are smart but politically lazy. Hope Uzodinma was the governor of Imo State, yet President Tinubu could not secure 10% of the votes there.

“Hope in his own state, Imo state, he was Governor. President Tinubu didn’t get 10% votes in the 2023 elections, but he took two senators and Labour Party took one senator. Is he saying Imo people were confused, or were they not confused?

“The governors of Osun, Anambra and Abia States are supporting the President reelection. Won’t they still support the candidates of their parties in other elections? So where is the confusion?”

Speaking about Rivers State, the Minister said; Becauseof our rainbow coalition, we no longer have Rivers of blood. There is no litigation on party candidates in Rivers State, unlike Imo State.”

When asked where else in the South-South the President can win, the Minister replied: “That can happen in Bayelsa State. The whole PDP there is working for the President. The founder of the NDC is not the founder of Bayelsa.”

“As I sit here today, I will tell you that the President will win in the FCT,” he added.