Benjamin Kalu Elevates Nigeria’s Trade Diplomacy at WTO Steering Committee in Geneva

Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu

Nigeria’s Voice in Global Trade: Benjamin Kalu Champions Multilateralism at WTO Steering Committee

In a significant diplomatic stride, Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR, took center stage at the 55th Session of the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO), held at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Representing Nigeria among a select group of parliamentarians from eight other countries, including the European Parliament, Kalu’s presence underscored Nigeria’s commitment to shaping the future of global trade through inclusive dialogue and strategic partnerships.

Kalu’s participation in the Steering Committee aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on ending poverty, promoting peace, and fostering prosperity through equitable trade.

His mission in Geneva was clear: to reinforce the principles of multilateralism and advocate for stronger African representation in global trade governance. Speaking alongside WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Kalu emphasized the importance of parliamentary engagement in the WTO’s work, asserting that Africa’s voice must be amplified in shaping trade policies that affect the continent’s economic trajectory.

Upon arrival in Geneva, Kalu reaffirmed his dedication to championing Nigeria’s interests and Africa’s broader trade agenda. He stated, “I remain committed to ensuring that Africa’s voice, and Nigeria’s in particular, resonates strongly in shaping the future of global trade governance. Our mission is to reinforce multilateralism, advance fair and inclusive trade, and guarantee that no nation is left behind in the evolving global economy”.

This appearance builds on Kalu’s earlier diplomatic efforts, including his leadership of Nigeria’s delegation to the IPU meeting in New York earlier in the year. There, he called for a review of the United Nations’ funding structure, arguing that overreliance on a few donor countries undermines the spirit of multilateralism. His proposed reforms aimed to democratize funding participation and promote more equitable decision-making within the UN system.

Kalu’s role in Geneva not only elevated Nigeria’s profile on the global stage but also reinforced the country’s commitment to collaborative trade frameworks that benefit the African continent. His advocacy for fair trade, inclusive growth, and multilateral cooperation reflects a broader vision for a more balanced and representative global economic order, one where Africa is not merely a participant but a key architect of its future.