?The ongoing economic reforms implemented by the Nigerian government are actively stimulating national growth and significantly boosting the country's ease of doing business, according to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR.
?Speaking at the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, centered on the theme "Enhancing Good Governance and Empowering Communities Through Inclusivity, Trust and Opportunities for All," Kalu highlighted Nigeria's improved economic indicators under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
He noted that strategic reform measures pushed GDP growth to 4.43 percent in the second quarter of 2026, alongside easing inflation and external reserves reaching over $55 billion—the highest level recorded in nearly two decades.
He emphasized that the focus must now center on transmitting these macroeconomic gains to the real economy, particularly through food security and job creation.
?Kalu outlined the National Assembly’s strategic legislative priorities, which include advancing reforms in data protection, cybersecurity, and broadband expansion to support youth empowerment and technological literacy in an evolving digital economy.
In healthcare, he cited ongoing efforts over the past three years to revitalize primary healthcare centers, broaden insurance access, and promote local pharmaceutical sovereignty.
?On national security, the Deputy Speaker referenced the constitutional amendment passed by the National Assembly in June allowing for the establishment of state police to bring community protection closer to citizens, while reaffirming that lasting peace also depends on judicial fairness and institutional trust.
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Addressing global sustainability, Kalu called on world parliaments to adopt an "earth-first" lens to legislation, warning that unaddressed climate change threatens all development goals.
?In a related development at the summit, the Speaker of the Australian Parliament, Rt. Hon. Milton Dick, was elected as the new President of the IPU Assembly, succeeding Tanzania’s Speaker, Tulia Ackson. Dick, who recently visited the Nigerian National Assembly to solicit support, assumes leadership of the global parliamentary body following the 153rd assembly session.
