The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the Kampala Convention Domestication Act into law, describing the move as a major milestone in protecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and restoring their dignity.
Mr Kalu gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), led by Doris El Doueihy, which visited to appreciate Nigeria’s efforts in domesticating the convention.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu.
The Kampala Convention, formally known as the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons, was adopted in 2009 to address the growing crisis of internal displacement across Africa.
By domesticating the convention into Nigerian law, the government has created a legal framework that recognises and protects the rights of displaced persons, places responsibility on authorities to prevent displacement, ensures humanitarian assistance, and provides pathways for the safe return, resettlement or reintegration of affected populations.
The law is particularly significant for Nigeria, where years of insurgency, banditry, communal clashes and natural disasters have displaced millions, especially in the North-east and North-west.
Mr Kalu, who sponsored the bill alongside six other lawmakers, said the president’s decision to assent to the legislation reflects a commitment to humanitarian leadership and the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
He also commended the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for his role in reviewing and supporting the domestication process, noting that the president subjected the bill to thorough scrutiny before signing it into law.
He explained that efforts are underway to ensure the law is adopted at the state level to enable effective implementation across the country.
“You can sign bills that have to do with Electoral Act, you will benefit from it. You can sign bills that have to do with maybe the environment, you benefit from it. But when you sign a bill that has to do with people who may not give you back anything, then it means that you are wearing the face of humanity in your leadership.” he said.
According to him, the National Assembly will also rely on its constitutional oversight powers to ensure that relevant government agencies align their programmes and budgets with the provisions of the Act.
He warned that the law must not be reduced to mere words on paper, stressing the need for practical, impact-driven implementation that addresses real challenges faced in IDP camps, including healthcare gaps, insecurity and cases of early and teenage pregnancies.
“The parliament has what it takes through our oversight responsibility that is found in Section 88, 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to ensure that we call the various agencies of government, refugee Commission, the Budget Office, Appropriation Committee of the Parliament, the Finance Ministry, to make sure that their budget reflects this domesticated convention in terms of its implementation, which will cover the needs analysis of the IDPs,” he added.
While emphasising the importance of protecting displaced persons, Mr Kalu said the broader objective is to address the root causes of displacement and ensure that affected persons can safely return to their communities.
He noted that the Act contains provisions aimed at facilitating resettlement and reintegration, adding that the government is working on mechanisms to support the process in collaboration with the executive arm.
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He further expressed optimism that Nigeria’s domestication of the convention would encourage other African countries to follow suit, noting that many had been waiting for Nigeria to take the lead. He described the law as a legal shield that guarantees the rights, dignity and welfare of displaced citizens.
Earlier, Ms El Doueihy reportedly said Nigeria’s action demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing displacement challenges and protecting vulnerable populations.
She noted that the domestication process had taken years of sustained effort and described its conclusion as a major achievement.
According to her, Nigeria is now setting a standard for other African countries to strengthen legal protection for internally displaced persons.
“Nigeria is on the right track and this is an example for other countries to follow and do the same,” she said.