By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said the National Assembly will fast-track the ratification and domestication of international humanitarian law treaties to strengthen the protection of vulnerable Nigerians.
Kalu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue 2026 organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria.
He noted that the theme of the dialogue, “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes,” underscores the need to align Nigeria’s legal obligations with practical implementation and measurable impact.
According to him, no single institution can deliver justice or humanitarian protection in isolation, stressing the need for synergy among institutions and stakeholders.
He said, “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.”
Kalu commended the multi-sectoral collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, describing it as a demonstration of national resolve to uphold humanitarian principles.
He said, “The convergence of key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies; justice, defence, interior, finance, health, and emergency management, demonstrates a unified national resolve to uphold the principles of humanity even in the most challenging circumstances.”
The Deputy Speaker noted that Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian challenges, including internal security issues, displacement and disasters, adding that humanitarian law remains critical in protecting civilians.
He said, “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.”
Kalu emphasised that the legislature would prioritise all treaties ratified by Nigeria, particularly those relating to humanitarian law, to ensure effective implementation.
“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 added that the 10th National Assembly was working with renewed unity and purpose to expedite legislative processes.
“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 lawmaker also pledged closer collaboration with the executive arm of government to integrate the principles of the Geneva Conventions into Nigeria’s legal and operational frameworks.
He commended members of the national committee for their efforts in strengthening compliance and promoting a humane society.
“As we deliberate today, I urge all stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to decisive action. Let us deepen collaboration, strengthen institutions, and ensure that the outcomes of this engagement translate into real protection for those who need it most,” he added.
Kalu stressed that the effectiveness of any legal system should be measured by its impact on human lives.
“Let us remember that the true measure of any legal system is not in the laws it enacts, but in the lives it protects,” he said.