By Michael Agbaji
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to prioritize the ratification and domestication of all international treaties entered into by Nigeria, particularly those relating to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Kalu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the High-Level IHL Dialogue 2026, organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria. The event was themed “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes.”
According to the Deputy Speaker, the theme underscores the urgent need to align Nigeria’s legal commitments with practical realities and measurable outcomes, noting that effective humanitarian protection requires synergy among institutions.
He described complementarity as the vital interplay between international obligations and domestic enforcement, policy formulation and legislative action, as well as institutions and the citizens they serve.
Kalu commended the strong multi-sectoral collaboration demonstrated at the dialogue, highlighting the participation of key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across justice, defence, interior, finance, health, and emergency management sectors as a reflection of a unified national commitment to humanitarian principles.
Addressing Nigeria’s current realities, he noted that the country continues to face complex humanitarian challenges, including internal security issues, displacement, and disaster response.
“International Humanitarian Law is not an abstract concept; it is a living framework designed to protect the most vulnerable—civilians, women, children, and those caught in conflict situations,” he said.
Reaffirming the role of the legislature, Kalu stressed that the House of Representatives remains resolute in ensuring that all ratified treaties, especially those relating to IHL, receive the legislative attention they deserve.
“We will not only facilitate their domestication but also strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure effective implementation,” he said.
He further revealed that the 10th National Assembly is experiencing renewed unity and purpose, enabling faster and more coordinated legislative action. As a result, bills aimed at domesticating relevant IHL treaties will be given expedited consideration to eliminate delays that could hinder citizen protection or affect Nigeria’s global standing.
Kalu also pledged continued collaboration with the executive arm of government and relevant stakeholders to ensure full integration of the principles of the Geneva Conventions into Nigeria’s legal and operational systems.
The Deputy Speaker commended the leadership and members of the implementation committee for their dedication and foresight, noting that their efforts are strengthening compliance and promoting a more humane and resilient society.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions to concrete actions that will enhance institutional capacity and deliver real protection for vulnerable populations.
“The true measure of any legal system is not in the laws it enacts, but in the lives it protects,” Kalu stated.
