Nigeria, Malawi Deepen Parliamentary-Diplomatic Ties.
By Ferdinand Olise
In a move to strengthen legislative diplomacy, the Malawi’s First Deputy Speaker, Madalitso Kazombo, has led a high-profile parliamentary delegation to the National Assembly on a visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Kazombo led the delegation to Nigeria, yesterday on a courtesy call on the Deputy Speaker.
Speaking under the themed “Strengthening Parliamentary Ties between Nigeria and Malawi,” the Malawian lawmaker pledged his country determination to forge a lasting relation between them and Nigeria, noting that his country which gained independent from Britain in 1964, can learn many things from Nigeria through diplomatic relations.
In his remarks, the Malawian lawmaker commended Nigerian parliamentarians for their legislative hardwork, and informed that the visit was aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, legislative capacity building as well as democratic governance between the two black nations.
Kazombo also used the opportunity to acknowledge Nigeria’s legislative advancements while echoing the call for deeper cooperation, as he shared insights into Malawi’s multiparty transition, and highlighted the crucial role parliament plays in entrenching democratic norms.
He, however underscored Malawi’s efforts to involve more young people in leadership, citing his own rise in politics as an example of youth with potential.
Receiving the delegation, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, underscored the importance of sharing legislative best practices, and most particularly in the areas of constitutional reform and public engagement.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing constitution review process which he explained includes proposed amendments aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance and encouraging youth involvement through lower age for elective positions.
The Deputy Speaker also used the opportunity to emphasize the urgency for African parliaments to collaborate in addressing continental challenges.
He decried the continued migration of Africa’s youth to Europe, and called for greater intra-African cooperation to create local opportunities and sustainable legislative development frameworks.
“We must work together to harness our collective resources for the betterment of the continent”, he said.
Both leaders agreed on the need for sustained legislative exchange, with discussions touching on the possibility of establishing a Malawian High Commission in Nigeria.
The historic visit marked a renewed commitment to inter-parliamentary collaboration, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive governance and regional development across Africa.
