…praised diplomatic ties between the two countries

By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the government of United Kingdom (UK) to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

The Deputy Speaker made the call during his speech in an event tagged “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” which attracted the presence of the Deputy Leader of the British House of Lords, Rt. Hon. Lord Collins among other members of parliament from Nigeria and UK in London on Wednesday.

Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries in tackling corruption amongst other challenges.

He commended the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for deepened economic relationships.

Referencing the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as a testament to shared values and mutual interests, Kalu added that by deepening collaboration across these sectors, both countries will unlock the  opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

He said: “The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and achieving shared objectives. This collaboration spans six pillars: Growth and Jobs: Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), both nations will drive mutual economic growth by addressing market barriers, boosting two-way trade, and fostering sustainable investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

“Both nations commit to facilitating safe migration, tackling visa abuse, and operationalizing prisoner transfer agreements while advancing reforms in global financial systems.

“I wish to call on the UK Government to intensify its efforts towards supporting Nigeria’s war against corruption in all its facets. One of the ways the UK can support this fight is to ease the process of repatriation of monies seized from Nigerian officials that are trapped in the UK financial system. Incidentally, I am here with the Chairman of the Nigerian Parliament Committee on Financial Crimes and he will be happy to continue the conversation with relevant officials.

“Nigeria seeks the UK’s continued support in recovering illicit funds. Enhanced collaboration should focus on: Setting up mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows. Strengthening institutions to combat  corruption. Facilitating asset recovery processes through bilateral agreements”.

Kalu who is the Chairman,  Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review and an advocate for political inclusion also called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the work of the panel.

“As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I acknowledge the monumental task of refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework to reflect the evolving needs of its people. Key issues under deliberation—such as the creation of special status seats for women in legislative assemblies, the enactment of more gendersensitive legislation, and the potential introduction of sub-national policing—are pivotal to fostering inclusive governance and addressing the nation’s security challenges.

“Thus, I implore the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to extend tailored support to the Committee’s critical work. By providing technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs, the FCDO can help ensure that these constitutional reforms are comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.

“Such support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also reinforce shared values of equity, justice, and security, which underpin the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. This collaboration would demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, ensuring safer communities, and fortifying Nigeria’s legislative framework for future generations”, he said.

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has unveiled Plastic Waste Reverse Vending Machines to address environmental pollution and promote sustainable waste management in Nigeria.

The launch, which took place on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, is part of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project titled “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices.”

Speaking at the event, Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the fight against plastic pollution and the promotion of sustainable practices in waste management.

He stressed that the vending machines will reward Nigerians for depositing plastic bottles and other recyclable materials, thereby fostering a culture of recycling.

“Today, we take an important step forward in our collective fight against plastic pollution.

“As we stand together, this reverse vending machine represents not just a tool, but a symbol of our unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Nigeria”, Mallam Lawal said.

The Minister also highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, as he explained that the technology encourages proper waste disposal and reduces environmental pollution while advancing the concept of a circular economy.

“Reverse vending machines are a cutting-edge solution in waste management. They allow individuals to deposit bottles and other recyclable materials, receiving a reward in return.

“This simple yet powerful technology encourages proper waste disposal and creates a culture of recycling, where each citizen can actively participate in protecting our environment,” he added.

Mallam Lawal further noted the economic and environmental gains associated with the initiative, including cleaner communities, job creation, and increased public awareness of sustainability. He stressed that the project embraces local innovation and craftsmanship while reinforcing the government’s dedication to environmental protection.

“With its unveiling, we embrace local innovation and craftsmanship, and a renewed dedication to protecting our environment,” the Minister said.

Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Environment, Rep. Julius Pondi, commended the initiative and described it as a game-changer in waste management.

He called on UNIDO to collaborate with the National Assembly to replicate the project nationwide.

The initiative is expected to significantly reduce plastic pollution across the country, empower communities, and encourage the active participation of citizens in sustainable environmental practices.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa is seeking for more funds for seven critical programmes of the housing sector.

These projects he said include the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme and Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme and others.

Dangiwa made the call during the budget defence session of the Senate Committee on Housing held on Monday at the National Assembly, Complex.

“I wish to request that the Distinguished Chairman and Members of this very important Committee use their good offices to increase the budgetary allocation in severn key areas.

“This is in view of the fact that these areas are very critical to the Transformative Policies and Programmes of Mr President to put the economy on the part of recovery and growth.

“It is pertinent to state here that in 2024 fiscal year the sum of N162.609 billion
was allocated to our Ministry, which amount was considered inadequate.

“Yet, we have been given an envelope of
N83.752 billion in 2025 as the Ministry’s Capital Budget Ceiling for 2025 which is a far cry from even the 2024 Appropriation”.

He said that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme was designed to be catalyst for economic growth.

“The construction and development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and attract investments.

“The 50,000 units planned to deliver under phase I will create 1, 250, 000 direct and indirect construction jobs for Architects, Engineers, plumbers, iron benders, masons etc.

“This is in addition to the value chain effect of purchase, supply of building materials and other businesses.

“Currently, we have covered 12 States and would like to cover 18 States at 250 units per site. The amount needed to achieve this N108 billion at N6 billion per state.

He said that the “Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme” also required increased budgetary allocation.

“Currently, there are ongoing programmes in four states of each geopolitical zone including FCT.

“This means four sites in four states of each geopolitical zone including four sites in FCT, bringing the total to hundred 100 sites. At least N100 billion is needed for better result to be achieved,” he said.

Dangiwa further said that the ministry was exposed to huge amounts of liabilities amounting from projects completed, duly certified for payments before the end of the budgetary year but were not paid due to limited time.

“There is the need to make adequate provision for liabilities to enable the ministry reduce the amount of liabilities it is exposed to.

“The Ministry has over N92 billion liabilities but would need nothing less than N60 billion in the 2025 Budget to reduce the exposure,” Dangiwa said.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, assured the minister of support to tackle the issues of liabilities incurred.

“We will support you by making sure that we can work together to see how best we can approach the Minister of Finance, the budget office, and even the Presidency.

“How best we can really get this debt relief on the part of the ministry and on the part of our contractors”.(NAN)