Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Resentatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is leading a delegation from the Pan African Parliament (PAP) on a high-level visit to the European Parliament in Brussels, aimed at fostering deeper cooperation and exchanging legislative experiences between both bodies.
The visit, which commenced on Monday, includes strategic engagements with the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group of the European Parliament. Speaking at the meeting, Kalu stressed the need for stronger intercontinental collaboration, describing Africa and Europe as interdependent.
“The strength of Africa is the strength of Europe, and vice versa. To leave Africa behind is a disservice to Europe,” Kalu said. “We are committed to ensuring this partnership delivers meaningful results for both sides.” Kalu, who also chairs PAP’s Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee, assured European officials that the African delegation is determined to maximize the outcomes of the partnership.
The Deputy Speaker further used the opportunity to spotlight Nigeria’s democratic reforms, particularly efforts to empower young lawmakers through the establishment of the Young Parliamentarians Forum. On gender inclusion, Kalu acknowledged the hurdles faced in Africa, attributing slow progress to cultural and religious norms. Nonetheless, he pointed to Nigeria’s efforts in showcasing the positive impact of women in leadership.
“It’s a beautiful idea to have more women in politics, but in Africa, it’s difficult due to religious sentiments and the patrilineal philosophy of life,” he said. “However, we’ve begun to unbundle that myth through advocacy and by demonstrating the value women bring to leadership and governance.” Throughout the week-long visit, the PAP delegation will study the workings of the European Parliament to inform strategies for strengthening legislative institutions in Africa. Key areas of focus include conflict prevention, parliamentary diplomacy, post-crisis reconciliation, and institutional reform.
“We want to understand how you’ve overcome your own challenges, so we can adapt those solutions to Africa’s context,” Kalu added. “We are also proposing a joint task force to exchange best practices and deepen our cooperation.” The visit is seen as part of a broader push by the PAP to redefine its role in Africa’s democratic development and regional integration.
