CSOs Hail Deputy Speaker Kalu for Landmark IDP Bill, Call on Lawmakers to Follow His Example

Civil society groups across Nigeria have lauded Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CON, for guiding the passage of the Kampala Convention Domestication Bill, a move they say strengthens the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

The legislation formally incorporates the African Union Convention on the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons—adopted in 2009—into Nigerian law. The bill was recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This is more than a legal formality; it is a lifeline for millions of Nigerians affected by displacement,” said Dahiru Ahmad of RLPP. “It binds the government to concrete actions to protect, assist, and provide durable solutions for displaced communities.”

The Kampala Convention provides a framework for preventing displacement, offering timely aid, and supporting durable solutions such as voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement. Although Nigeria signed the Convention in 2009, its provisions had yet to be translated into national law until this milestone.

John Paul Nwaobinna of the Youth Arise Initiative for Good Governance highlighted Kalu’s international advocacy: “Deputy Speaker Kalu has consistently amplified the voices of IDPs. His participation in the United Nations’ virtual event marking the 27th anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons showcased Nigeria’s ongoing efforts on a global stage.”

Civil society leaders emphasized that Kalu’s legislative work extends beyond humanitarian issues to encompass youth empowerment, women’s rights, and inclusive governance. Kemi Babayanju of the Bridge Builders Initiative for Development stated, “He exemplifies how lawmakers can actively use their office to address the needs of the most vulnerable, rather than just occupying a seat in the chamber.”

The CSOs also called on other legislators to follow Kalu’s example. “Nigeria’s legislative challenges demand lawmakers who move beyond rhetoric,” Ahmad said. “Bills like this one show practical commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs.”

Nigeria hosts one of Africa’s largest IDP populations, with millions displaced by insurgency, communal conflicts, and recurring natural disasters. The domestication of the Kampala Convention not only aligns Nigeria with international humanitarian standards but also opens avenues for technical and financial support from global partners.

“The passage of this bill signals to the world that Nigeria is serious about protecting the dignity and rights of displaced citizens,” Nwaobinna added.