Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has sought partnerships with Australia and Rwanda to strengthen cooperation on gender representation, security, and the mining sector. Kalu made the call during separate meetings with officials from both countries at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Kalu made the appeal on Thursday during separate meetings with delegations from the Australian and Rwandan embassies, led respectively by Leilani Bin-Juda and Christophe Bazivamo, at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Kalu highlighted the need for Nigeria to tap into Australia’s expertise in mining, especially in the areas of technology, sustainable methods, and responsible resource extraction.

“Nigeria is rich in natural resources, and the mining sector offers potential for growth and development. By advancing partnerships with Australian mining companies, we can enhance job creation, boost local economies, and ensure that our natural resources contribute to the overall development of Nigeria,” Kalu said.

He further urged Australia to support Nigeria’s constitution review process, particularly on gender equality and human rights. He informed the delegation that discussions are also ongoing within Nigeria on the review of capital punishment laws.

“The issue is complex and requires thorough discussion and consideration,” Kalu noted.

He added that creating an investment-friendly environment in the mining sector should balance attracting foreign investors with ensuring that local communities benefit from mining operations.

On legislative reforms, Kalu informed the delegation about the ongoing work of the Constitution Review Committee, which is considering bills such as HB.1349 aimed at reserving seats for women in legislative bodies.

“This initiative is crucial for enhancing women’s representation in governance, which is essential for a balanced and equitable society,” he said.

Responding, Australian High Commissioner Leilani Bin-Juda reiterated Australia’s interest in Nigeria’s mining, trade, and investment sectors. She noted ongoing discussions with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a planned joint mining project with the Ministry of Mines and Steel in the coming weeks.

During the meeting with the Rwandan delegation, Kalu emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration as a means of strengthening bilateral relations and fostering regional development.

“Legislative bodies in our countries are instrumental in shaping policies that promote economic growth, social development, and cultural exchange. By enhancing dialogue between our parliaments, we can ensure that our legislative frameworks align with our shared goals and aspirations,” he said.

Kalu noted Nigeria’s interest in learning from Rwanda’s experience in gender representation in politics, citing the country’s record of women holding 63.75 per cent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 53.8 per cent in the Senate.

“In particular, as Nigeria embarks on a significant constitutional review process, we seek collaboration and insights from Rwanda, especially in key thematic areas such as gender and security,” Kalu added.

Rwandan Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, in his response, proposed deeper institutional ties between the legislative bodies of both countries. He suggested cooperation in areas including oversight functions, law drafting, parliamentary technology, and the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group.

Bazivamo noted that such cooperation would contribute to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and advancing shared interests between Nigeria and Rwanda.