The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has pledged that the National Assembly will fast-track the domestication and implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties ratified by Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening the protection of vulnerable populations.
Kalu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the High-Level IHL Dialogue 2026, organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders at the event themed “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes,” the Deputy Speaker stressed the urgency of aligning Nigeria’s international legal commitments with practical domestic enforcement and measurable impact.
He described complementarity as a critical framework that underscores collaboration between institutions, noting that justice and humanitarian protection cannot be achieved in isolation but through coordinated legislative, policy, and institutional efforts.
Kalu commended the multi-sectoral participation at the dialogue, highlighting the involvement of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including those responsible for justice, defence, interior, finance, health, and emergency management, as evidence of a unified national commitment to upholding humanitarian principles.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian challenges, including internal security threats, displacement, and disaster response, stressing that international humanitarian law remains essential in safeguarding civilians, particularly women and children, in conflict situations.
According to him, the legislature has a critical role to play in ensuring that international treaties translate into tangible protections for citizens.
“The House of Representatives is undeterred in its commitment to ensuring that all treaties ratified by Nigeria, particularly those relating to International Humanitarian Law, are accorded legislative priority,” he said.
He further assured that the 10th National Assembly would expedite consideration of bills aimed at domesticating relevant IHL treaties, while strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.
Kalu added that the current alignment and cooperation within the National Assembly would enable faster legislative action on key national priorities, including humanitarian protections.
He also reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to working closely with the executive and other stakeholders to integrate the principles of the Geneva Conventions into Nigeria’s legal and operational systems.
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The Deputy Speaker commended the National Committee for its coordination and dedication, noting that its efforts were critical in improving compliance and building a more resilient humanitarian framework in the country.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to concrete action, emphasizing that the effectiveness of any legal system should ultimately be measured by its ability to protect lives.
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