By: Tanimu Salihu
The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, says Nigeria is making concerted efforts to meeting global demands for sustainable social development and justice.
Speaking, at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on the topic “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” Mr. Kalu cited the country’s key legislative achievements in recent years, saying they attested to Nigeria’s commitment towards realizing the objective.
He said: “Nigeria has taken decisive steps to meet the global demand for sustainable social development and justice. Our Legislative achievements in recent years bear testament to our unflinching commitment. One of the key pillars of our strategy has been the establishment of regional development commissions. Over t you past year, the Nigerian Parliament has enacted legislation to create four new regional development commissions.
“These bodies are dynamic institutions tasked with channeling resources where they are needed most, ensuring that policy interventions are tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of each region. By decentralizing our development efforts, we are breaking away from the one-size-fits-all approach and ensuring that every region can chart its own course toward sustainable progress.
Mr. Kalu also said that another significant legislative measure is the new minimum wage bill, which according to him, not only safeguards the rights of workers but also lays the foundation for a more dynamic and productive economy.
The Deputy Speaker commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government for the tax reforms initiative
He also said that the parliament has initiated a robust oversight function to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability.
The Deputy Speaker expressed worry that the continent of Africa is burdened by a huge debt profile that strains it public finances, making it difficult to realize the sustainable social development.
He however assured that Nigeria’s journey towards social development and justice is defined by a steadfast commitment to human dignity, equity, and sustainable progress.
