In an exciting development for both Nigeria and the African continent, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
This prestigious role places Kalu at the forefront of financial governance in a body that represents all 55 member states of the African Union. He succeeds Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak from Ghana, who stepped down following his recent nomination as a minister in Ghana’s new government.
The announcement came during an ongoing session of PAP members in Midrand, South Africa, where Hon. Senator Tony Sibandze from Eswatini welcomed Kalu to his new position. “We received communications today confirming that Hon. Benjamin from Nigeria has been assigned as the chairman of this committee to complete the term up to June,” Senator Sibandze stated.
The West African Caucus played a vital role in Kalu’s appointment, unanimously nominating him during their meeting in Johannesburg. This decision was subsequently ratified, enabling a smooth transition in leadership for the committee.
Alongside Kalu’s appointment, Hon. Senator Christine Mwando Katempa from the Democratic Republic of Congo was ratified as the Committee’s Deputy Chairperson, a nomination made by the Central African Caucus.
Kalu’s extensive experience and expertise make him a fitting leader for this committee. He not only chairs the Finance and Administrative Committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament but is also a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Recently, he was appointed to the Steering Committee of the World Trade Organization (WTO) at high-profile meetings in New York.
This new role is not just a personal achievement for Kalu; it signals Nigeria’s commitment to playing a significant role in shaping economic policies across Africa. As he embarks on this journey, Kalu is poised to make impactful contributions that resonate throughout the continent, enhancing the financial and monetary landscape for all African nations.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kalu’s initiatives and the progress of the Pan-African Parliament in fostering economic collaboration across Africa.
LV