Kalu Opens Historic National Policy Dialogue on House Legislative Agenda

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has officially opened the inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda of the House, calling it a “historic step” toward reshaping Nigeria’s democratic governance through inclusive and impactful lawmaking.

In his welcome remarks at the high-level event, Kalu praised the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, noting that both have set a strong legislative and executive foundation for progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 13, 2023, the House has considered over 1,059 bills across multiple sectors, aligning with the Speaker’s eight-pillar Legislative Agenda, an agenda Kalu said is designed to complement the President’s eight-point national development plan.

The Deputy Speaker outlined the core focus areas of the agenda, including good governance and anti-corruption, national security, education, inclusive and open parliament, economic diversification, fiscal federalism, environmental sustainability, and constitutional reforms. Notable legislative initiatives highlighted include the State Police Bill, amendments to the Student Loan Access Act, the Special Seats Bill for Women, and over 30 proposed constitutional amendments.

He commended lawmakers such as Hon. Cyril Hart Godwin and Hon. Chinwe Nnabuife Clara for their roles in monitoring implementation, ensuring that laws passed are measurable and impactful.

“This Dialogue is the first of its kind, designed to deepen stakeholder engagement, identify legislative priorities, and foster collaboration for evidence-based policymaking,” Kalu said.

The Dialogue, he noted, is expected to yield strategic outcomes by the end of the year, including policy briefs, stronger feedback mechanisms, and the institutionalization of the Dialogue as an annual event in the legislative calendar.

Acknowledging key development partners including the European Union, UK International Development, and PLAC, Kalu emphasized that their support has been vital in driving legislative capacity and reform.

“We are not just crafting laws, we are co-creating a future rooted in transparency, prosperity, and democratic resilience,” Kalu concluded.