…assures of investment-friendly legislative frameworks
By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has urged offshore companies and intending foreign investors to subscribe to the Nigerian labour laws in line with international best practices while doing business in the country.
Kalu stated this when he received a delegation from Quingdao Municipal council, China led by the Chairman of the Standing Committee of Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress, Mr. Wang Luming on a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday.
He described Qingdao as China’s powerhouse in shipbuilding and construction, recalling Nigeria’s diplomatic ties the Republic, the Deputy Speaker said that both countries have collaborated well on issues of mutual benefits.
Kalu assured the delegation of the parliament’s readiness to make legislative interventions that will make the business climate more investment friendly.
He said: “The House of Representatives is eager to engage in meaningful discussions with the Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress as part of the core engagements toward actualizing the House’s 8-point legislative agenda most especially through business and investment-friendly legislative frameworks and oversight. By working together, we can unlock a future of mutual benefit.
“We believe that this meeting will help enhance our understanding of shared interests, strengthen partnerships in economic sectors, facilitate opportunities for Qingdao enterprises in Nigeria, and promote mutual understanding and friendship, laying a strong foundation for deepening bilateral relations.
“We can join forces to build the infrastructure Nigeria needs to thrive. From top-notch home appliances to reliable tires and delectable processed foods, Qingdao’s manufacturing muscle presents a wealth of opportunities. Imagine factories humming in Nigeria, producing these goods or even becoming export hubs to the rest of Africa.
“We are committed to taking our economic and social ties to the next level. That means fostering deeper cooperation in trade, vocational training, and cultural exchange.
“I would like to express our gratitude to the Ndigboamaka Progressives Market Association for their crucial role in making this meeting possible.
“The House of Representatives remains committed to providing a conducive legislative environment that supports our joint initiatives and encourages the growth and prosperity of both our nations.
“We will use legislative interventions, look at the laws again a see how we will structure it to make you comfortable to invest in this country.
“The trade officer that is there will liaise with organizations like yours to find out your challenges, bring it to our notice and then we see how we can use the instrument of the law to correct it.
“This is to say that the House of Representatives is eager to involve in a meaningful discussion with Chingdao Congress as part of our engagement towards actualizing our agenda which has to do with encouraging investment in the country.
“While welcoming you and appreciating the value that you are going to bring to the country, you have to be conscious of global best practices in line with our labour laws.
“We have observed that some of the companies that are working in Nigeria are not complying with our labour laws, this is with regards to taking care of those working for them.
“It’s important to comply with the labour laws. As we have more companies coming to Nigeria, we are strict with compliance with our laws.”
Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress, Wang Luming said they came to synergize with the Nigerian government in areas of technology, vocational education and talent training to ultimately to solve the problem of unemployment in the country.