Leadnaija
eputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has been appointed as a member of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (PCWTO), marking a significant milestone for the country’s involvement in global trade policy....TAP HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY..>>
The invitation, extended by Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary-General Martin Chungong, was addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, PhD. This appointment will allow Nigeria to actively engage in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) policies, WTO negotiations, and global trade reforms.
Kalu, who also chairs the Finance and Administrative Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament, has been a strong advocate for Africa’s inclusion in the UN Security Council, UN funding reforms, and effective aid coordination for achieving SDGs. His appointment to the PCWTO Steering Committee further solidifies Nigeria’s growing influence in global economic discussions.
The PCWTO Steering Committee, which includes representatives from 25 national parliaments, meets twice a year in Geneva and Brussels. As a member, Kalu will collaborate with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other global trade leaders to enhance trade as a tool for economic growth and poverty eradication.
His role will also allow him to monitor WTO negotiations, engage with top trade policymakers, and shape Nigeria’s position in international trade agreements. This development is expected to boost Nigeria’s economy and strengthen Africa’s voice in global trade governance.
