Kalu’s participation in the steering committee will enable him to work closely with Nigerian-born DG of the WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has been invited to join the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (PCWTO).
The appointment is a significant development that will enable Nigeria to benefit from African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) global trade policies and boost trade across Africa.
The invitation was extended by Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in a letter dated February 12, 2025 and addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas.
Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the Finance and Administrative Committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, has been participating in the ongoing high profile meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) holding in New York, United States of America.
Parliament Reports recalls that the Deputy Speaker has been vocal on several issues such as Africa’s inclusion at the Security Council of the United Nations, review of UN funding structure, effective aid coordination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), amongst others.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, noted that Kalu’s participation in the PCWTO Steering Committee will mark the first time Nigeria is represented in the global panel.
He said “The invitation is largely seen as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade and its commitment to promoting economic development through trade.”
About PCWTO
The PCWTO Steering Committee is composed of representatives from 25 national parliaments, regional and global parliamentary assemblies, and structures, as well as the IPU and WTO Secretariats.
The committee meets twice a year, alternating between Geneva and Brussels, to ensure the smooth functioning of the conference.
Nwabughiogu also noted that Kalu’s participation in the committee will enable him to work closely with other members, including Nigerian born Director-General of WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also from Abia State, to promote trade as a tool for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
“Essentially, this aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
“Also, as a member, Kalu will have the opportunity to keep WTO negotiations under close scrutiny, obtain first-hand information on Doha Round talks, interact with leading WTO negotiators and experts, and exchange information with parliamentary colleagues from other countries,” Nwabughiogu added.
