The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu has harped on the need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to intentionally integrate the African Union Agenda 2063 into the nation’s development strategy.
Kalu who led the Nigeria’s delegation to the recently concluded Conference of Speakers of African Parliament to Midrand, South Africa championed this cause as part of the communique issued to mark the end of the conference.
The Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State representative who stood in for the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, stated by integrating the 2063 Agenda, Nigeria will set a model for other African countries to emulate.
The AU Agenda 2063 is an ambitious framework aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. It envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
The agenda comprises seven aspirations, each focused on key areas such as economic growth, social inclusion, sustainable development, and good governance.
In the words of the Deputy Speaker, Nigeria’s development aspiration has a nexus with the continent’s growth initiatives, even as he outlined that the President Bola Tinubu-led government is already implementing the goals of the AU Agenda 2063 across the broad themes of economic diversification, youth empowerment, economic diversification and good governance.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria holds a unique position on the continent. Although it has in the past faced multifaceted challenges, including economic volatility, infrastructural deficits, and social inequalities, the Nigeria’s future is bright given the focus of the current administration of President Tinubu,” Mr Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency through investments in agriculture, technology, and renewable energy, stressing that “By embarking on economic diversification, Nigeria aims to foster sustainable economic growth that reflects the aspirations of Agenda 2063.”
He emphasized the importance of infrastructure as a cornerstone for economic development and touted the efforts of Nigeria in actively pursuing regional connectivity projects, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aligns with Agenda 2063’s goal of an integrated Africa.
On the continent’s demography prospect, Kalu highlighted Also the initiatives by the Federal Government aimed at empowering Nigeria’s youth through education and job creation. This as he stated aligns with the Agenda’s focus on a people-driven development strategy that engages the continent’s largest demographic group.
He also called for a comprehensive review of existing policies by African States to support the continent’s development agenda.
In acknowledging that a critical component of the AU Agenda is infrastructure development, the Deputy Speaker advocated for “An increased investment in critical infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and digital connectivity. Such investments will not only enhance Africa’s competitiveness but also facilitate intra-African trade and economic integration.”
He also highlighted the importance of regional integration as outlined in Agenda 2063 and urged his colleagues to establish frameworks that strengthen partnerships amongst African nations, fostering trade and economic collaboration that can enhance regional stability and growth.
Emphasizing further the importance of technology and innovation, Kalu added that “To remain competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape, Africa must prioritize technological advancement and innovation,” even as he called attention to policies that support research and development.
The Deputy Speaker’s intervention at the Conference of Speakers of African Parliament reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s future with the broader African agenda. Nigeria’s efforts at integrating the AU Agenda 2063 economic blueprint into Nigeria’s developmental strategies will not only enhance its own growth trajectory but also contribute meaningfully to the realization of a prosperous and united Africa. By integrating the African Union Agenda 2063 into its national framework, Nigeria also reinforces its role as a leader on the continent.
“The way forward requires a commitment from all stakeholders including the government, civil society, and the private sector working collaboratively towards achieving Agenda 2063 ambitious goals. As Nigeria embarks on this journey, it stands poised to become a beacon of hope and progress within the African continent, leading by example in the pursuit of sustainable development and shared prosperity.
“As Africa navigates the complexities of the 21st century, Nigeria’s proactive stance in aligning with the Agenda 2063 blueprint will be essential in shaping a prosperous and united Africa. Through collaborative efforts and a shared vision, the continent can achieve the transformative change envisioned for 2063 and beyond,” Mr Kalu added.