Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu recently hosted a high-level delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Led by Doris El Doueihy, the group visited the National Assembly to celebrate a major legislative victory. Specifically, they expressed gratitude for the new Kampala Convention (Domestication and Enforcement) Act, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law in February 2026. This milestone legislation marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s legal framework for the protection of displaced persons.
Core Objectives of the Kampala Covention Act
The Kampala Convention (Domestication and Enforcement) Act formally incorporates the 2009 African Union treaty into Nigeria’s national law, making it the first legally binding framework in the country specifically dedicated to protecting and assisting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The Act moves Nigeria from emergency response to a rights-based legal framework through several key pillars including granting IDPs specific, enforceable rights under Nigerian law.
- It also ensures they are treated with dignity and protected from discrimination, arbitrary displacement, and human rights abuses.
- The Act clarifies agency roles to eliminate overlapping mandates and speed up aid delivery.
- It addresses root causes like conflict and disaster while criminalizing acts that lead to arbitrary displacement.
- Beyond temporary camps, the law creates legal pathways for safe resettlement and sustainable reintegration.
- It mandates specific safeguards for women, children, and others disproportionately affected by displacement.
During the meeting, Rt. Hon. Kalu and the ICRC representatives discussed:
- Establishing robust partnerships to safeguard the welfare and dignity of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- Ensuring effective integration of the the principles of the Kampala Convention Act across all levels of government.
- Utilizing the House of Representatives’ mandate to monitor the enforcement of the Act.
While addressing the delegation, the Deputy Speaker emphasized the 10th House’s unwavering mission. He noted that the House remains steadfast in protecting Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens through proactive laws.
This Act is not just a piece of paper; it is a promise of dignity.
-Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu
“My office will continue to work closely with both local and international stakeholders to ensure this law delivers tangible impact in restoring the safety and well-being of displaced persons across the country.”
