Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged the UK government to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption. He made this call during the “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” event in London, which brought together parliament members from both countries .
Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling corruption and other challenges. He praised the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the UK, highlighting the potential for deeper economic relationships. The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, he noted, establishes a comprehensive framework for achieving shared objectives across six pillars, including growth, jobs, and financial systems .
Specifically, Kalu asked the UK government to ease the process of repatriating monies seized from Nigerian officials trapped in the UK financial system. He also sought continued UK support in recovering illicit funds, focusing on mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows, strengthen institutions, and facilitate asset recovery .
Additionally, Kalu, as Chairman of Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review, called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the panel’s work. He requested technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based constitutional reforms .
