The National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF) played host to a distinguished delegation from Liberia, led by Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia, as part of a broader visit to the Nigerian Parliament. The visit underscored the commitment of both nations to fostering inter-parliamentary collaboration and leveraging legislative resources for mutual development.
During the delegation’s tour of the NALTF, Speaker Koon and his team were introduced to the vital role the library plays in legislative research, documentation, and policy development. The Executive Secretary of the NALTF, Rt. Hon. Henry Ndochukwu Nwawuba, provided insights into how Nigeria has institutionalized knowledge management to support legislative decision-making. The Liberian delegation expressed keen interest in developing similar initiatives within their parliamentary system to enhance legislative capacity and governance efficiency.
Prior to the library visit, the delegation attended a plenary session at the House of Representatives, where they were formally received by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria. Deputy Speaker Kalu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening legislative diplomacy with Liberia, emphasizing that both nations have historically shared strong bilateral relations, especially during Liberia’s civil crisis, when Nigeria played a crucial role in restoring peace and stability.
In his remarks, Speaker Koon expressed profound appreciation for Nigeria’s unwavering support to Liberia over the years and reiterated the need for enhanced legislative cooperation to advance regional stability, economic growth, and democratic governance. He stressed the importance of knowledge exchange, legal harmonization, and joint legislative initiatives between both nations, particularly in areas of security, trade, and capacity building for legislators.
The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on potential collaboration between Nigerian and Liberian lawmakers in areas such as investment, foreign affairs, and economic policies. Speaker Koon was accompanied by key members of the Liberian House of Representatives, including:
- Hon. Nehker Gaye, Chair on Foreign Affairs
- Hon. Foday E. Fahnbulleh, Chair on Investment & Concession
- Hon. Samson Wiah, Member of the House of Representatives
The working visit marks a renewed commitment to deepening diplomatic and legislative relations between Nigeria and Liberia. It reinforces the role of legislative diplomacy in promoting democratic governance, economic integration, and regional stability across West Africa. The discussions held during the visit will lay the groundwork for sustained legislative partnerships, fostering policies that address common socio-economic challenges faced by both nations.
The National Assembly and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF) remain dedicated to facilitating cross-border knowledge-sharing initiatives and legislative engagement that drive effective policymaking, governance reforms, and institutional strengthening across Africa. As both nations look forward to future collaborations, this visit signals a significant step toward building a stronger and more unified West African legislative framework.
