Reps to Fast-Track Domestication of Humanitarian Treaties — Kalu

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has pledged that the National Assembly will accelerate the ratification and domestication of international humanitarian law treaties, emphasizing the urgency of translating Nigeria’s global commitments into concrete protections for vulnerable citizens.

Kalu according to a press release e-signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the High-Level International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Dialogue 2026, organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Speaker said the theme of the dialogue, “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes,” underscores the need to align legal obligations with measurable impact.

“The theme speaks directly to the urgency of aligning the nation’s legal commitments with practical realities and measurable impact,” Kalu stated.

He explained that complementarity requires synergy across institutions, noting that justice and humanitarian protection cannot be achieved in isolation.

“Complementarity, in its truest sense, maintains that no single institution can deliver justice or humanitarian protection in isolation. It is the interplay between international obligations and domestic enforcement; policy formulation and legislative action; institutions and the people they serve,” he said.

Kalu commended the multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, describing it as a demonstration of national resolve to uphold humanitarian principles.

“The convergence of key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies… demonstrates a unified national resolve to uphold the principles of humanity even in the most challenging circumstances,” he added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s current realities, he noted that the country continues to grapple with complex humanitarian challenges, including internal security issues, displacement, and disaster response.

“In these contexts, International Humanitarian Law is not an abstract concept; it is a living framework designed to protect the most vulnerable among us—civilians, women, children, and those caught in the crossfires of conflict. Behind every treaty we sign are human lives that depend on our commitment to act,” he said.

Kalu stressed that the legislature has a critical role in ensuring that these protections are realized, pledging swift action by the House.

“Let me therefore assure this distinguished audience that 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 the legislative priority they deserve,” he said.

He further assured that the 10th National Assembly would expedite relevant bills 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,” Kalu stated.

The Deputy Speaker also emphasized continued collaboration with the executive and stakeholders to integrate global humanitarian frameworks into Nigeria’s legal and operational systems.

“We will continue to work closely with the executive arm of government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the principles of the Geneva Conventions and other humanitarian frameworks are fully integrated into our national legal architecture and operational practices,” he said.

He commended the National Committee for its efforts in strengthening compliance and building institutional capacity.

“Your efforts are not only strengthening compliance but are also building a more resilient and humane Nigeria,” he noted.

Kalu concluded by urging stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take decisive action to protect citizens.

“As we deliberate today, I urge all stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to decisive action… Let us remember that the true measure of any legal system is not in the laws it enacts, but in the lives it protects,”