Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended the Inter-Parliamentary Union for adopting Nigeria’s landmark resolution on the role of parliaments in restoring lasting peace globally.
The resolution, presented by Kalu at the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul, was approved after two days of intense debate, marking what has been described as a major diplomatic victory for Nigeria and a boost for African parliamentary influence in global peace and security discussions.
Titled The Role of Parliaments in Establishing Robust Post-Conflict Management Mechanisms and Restoring a Just and Lasting Peace, the resolution was revised by the IPU’s Peace and International Security Committee before gaining support from member states.
The adopted document emphasized that lasting peace must be anchored on justice, accountability and national ownership of recovery processes, while urging parliaments across more than 155 member states to prioritize legislative frameworks that support peacebuilding, conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction.
Reacting to the development, Kalu said the adoption of the resolution would encourage parliaments worldwide to take stronger legislative and oversight actions in support of sustainable peace and justice.
He also commended his co-rapporteurs, Fati Belhirch and Ahmad Al-Zu’bi, for their collaboration during the drafting and review process, while expressing appreciation to IPU members for supporting the resolution.
Among key provisions, the resolution reaffirmed the need for accountability for aggressors, national ownership of post-conflict recovery, cooperation with international accountability mechanisms including the International Criminal Court, environmental peacebuilding measures, implementation of peace agreements through legislation, and inclusive transitional justice processes.
It also called for parliaments to address root causes of conflict such as poverty, inequality, marginalization and unresolved disputes, while promoting human security and common security approaches to peacebuilding.
Observers said the adoption of the resolution further strengthened Nigeria’s voice in international diplomacy and positions its parliament as a growing force in shaping global peace and security architecture.
