Reps to Fast-Track Ratification of International Humanitarian Law Treaties — Kalu

Reps to Fast-Track Ratification of International Humanitarian Law Treaties — Kalu

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 made this known while delivering remarks at the High-Level IHL Dialogue 2026, organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Thursday. The event was themed “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes.”

According to the Deputy Speaker, the theme underscores the urgency of aligning Nigeria’s legal obligations with practical implementation and measurable outcomes. He emphasized that complementarity reflects the need for synergy between international commitments and domestic enforcement mechanisms.

Kalu commended the strong collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), noting that the collective efforts of stakeholders across the justice, defence, interior, finance, health, and emergency management sectors demonstrate a unified national commitment to humanitarian principles.

Highlighting Nigeria’s current humanitarian challenges—including internal security concerns, displacement, and disaster response—Kalu stressed that IHL remains a vital framework for protecting vulnerable populations such as civilians, women, and children affected by conflict.

“International Humanitarian Law is not an abstract concept; it is a living framework designed to protect the most vulnerable among us,” he stated.

Reiterating the role of the legislature, Kalu assured that the House of Representatives would fast-track the domestication of IHL-related treaties and strengthen oversight to ensure effective implementation.

“Bills seeking to domesticate relevant International Humanitarian Law treaties will receive expedited consideration. We are determined to eliminate legislative delays that may hinder the protection of our citizens or compromise Nigeria’s standing in the international community,” he said.

He further noted that the 10th National Assembly is operating with renewed unity and purpose, enabling faster and more coordinated legislative action on national priorities.

Kalu also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the executive arm of government and other stakeholders to fully integrate the principles of the Geneva Conventions into Nigeria’s legal and operational systems.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Speaker commended the leadership of the IHL Committee for their dedication and urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to actionable outcomes.

“The true measure of any legal system is not in the laws it enacts, but in the lives it protects,” Kalu concluded.