Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called for partnership between Nigeria and Mexico to strengthen trade relationship and gender inclusion between both countries.
This was contained in a statement issued by the deputy speaker’s Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Orizu quoted Kalu as stating this when he received a delegation led by the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alfredo Miranda, in his office at the National Assembly.
According to him, Nigeria and Mexico share not only a commitment to democratic values but also a vision of progress that benefits the citizens of both countries.
The deputy speaker, who made reference to recent data which put Nigeria’s trade with Mexico at approximately 500 million dollars in 2022, expressed optimism that there was still room for more growth.
He said both countries should consider trade missions to showcase available opportunities and exchange programmes like trade fairs.
Kalu expressed government’s commitment to discussions, policies and partnerships that would bolster economic ties, reduce barriers to trade and create new avenues for investments that would enhance prosperity for both countries.
“On behalf of the leadership and members of the People’s House – the House of Representatives, I bring you warm compliments. We acknowledge your presence here as proof of the friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Mexico and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The bonds of friendship between our countries are strengthened by our shared interests in areas such as trade, education and cultural exchange. In recent years, Nigeria has made significant strides in various sectors, including agriculture, technology and infrastructure. For instance, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has grown with a contribution of approximately 21 per cent to our GDP, reflecting our commitment to food security and sustainable practices.”
”We believe there are tremendous opportunities for collaboration with Mexico, particularly in agriculture, where we can learn from each other’s experiences to enhance food security.
Additionally, the exchange of knowledge and technology in the fields of renewable energy and innovation can pave the way for mutual growth,” he said.
Kalu, who is Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, also sought support for Nigeria’s efforts at promoting women’s representation in governance.
He said that as the country continued its journey toward gender inclusivity, government was open to learning from Mexico’s experience.
The deputy speaker commended Mexico for pioneering its feminist foreign policy, which prioritises gender equality and empowerment of women on the global stage.
He expressed optimism that collaboration in this regard would help Nigeria adopt best practices aligned with the country’s aspirations for a more inclusive and effective governance framework.
Earlier, Miranda expressed Mexico’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary ties with Nigeria and working on economic, social and gender equality issues.
“Nigeria and Mexico have to be closer. I know that you’re more concentrated in the development of social policies. We will like Nigeria to strengthen parliamentary ties with Mexico in order to get together in the parliamentary way and work on different issues, such as economic, social, gender equality and so on,” he said.
(NAN)