Urgent Wake-Up Call: Kalu Urges Govt To Confront Causes OF Mass Displacement

Kalu made this call during a high-level United Nations special online event on Wednesday, held to mark the 27th anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons. He participated as a distinguished panelist.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Abia State lawmaker commended the Nigerian government’s efforts to improve the welfare of citizens in IDP camps but expressed concern over the country’s delay in domesticating the Kampala Convention, despite ratifying it.

“I am honored to share insights into the legislative initiatives and perspectives Nigeria has adopted regarding IDPs,” Kalu stated. “Our country strongly upholds these guiding principles, especially those related to protection against arbitrary displacement, safeguarding rights during displacement, ensuring the right to know the fate of missing relatives, and enabling voluntary return or resettlement. These form the foundation of our commitment to the Kampala Convention.”

He further stressed that ratifying the Kampala Convention alone is not sufficient, and called for its full domestication into Nigerian law.

“To bring these principles to life in our country, I personally sponsored a bill in the House of Representatives to enact the Convention into national law. The bill has already been passed by the House and is currently awaiting concurrence in the Senate. The Senate’s report is ready and will be reviewed upon resumption of legislative activities on April 29. Following this, the bill will be forwarded to the President for assent,” he added.

Kalu reiterated his belief in the effectiveness of the Convention’s principles and pledged continued collaboration with relevant organizations to ensure the protection and dignity of displaced persons across Nigeria.