By Mercy Aikoye
A high-profile delegation from Malawi’s Parliament, led by First Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo, visited the National Assembly Complex in Abuja to deepen parliamentary ties with Nigeria. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation, legislative capacity building, and democratic governance between the two nations.
Kazombo expressed admiration for Nigeria’s legislative advancements and emphasized the potential for Malawi to learn from the country’s experiences. “Iron sharpens iron,” he said, highlighting the importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration. He commended Nigerian parliamentarians for their hard work and noted that Malawi gained independence from Britain in 1964.
The Malawian lawmaker pledged his country’s commitment to forging lasting relations with Nigeria. “We are here to deepen our understanding of legislative processes, exchange ideas, and learn from the Nigerian experience,” Kazombo said. The visit marked a renewed commitment to inter-parliamentary collaboration, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive governance and regional development.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, underscored the importance of sharing legislative best practices, particularly in constitutional reform and public engagement. He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing constitution review process, which includes proposed amendments to increase women’s participation in governance and encourage youth involvement.
Kalu emphasized the need for African parliaments to collaborate in addressing continental challenges. “We must work together to harness our collective resources for the betterment of the continent,” he said, decrying the continued migration of Africa’s youth to Europe. He called for greater intra-African cooperation to create local opportunities and sustainable legislative development frameworks.
Kazombo shared insights into Malawi’s multiparty transition and highlighted the crucial role parliament plays in entrenching democratic norms. He spotlighted Malawi’s efforts to involve more young people in leadership, citing his own rise in politics as an example of youth with potential.
Both leaders discussed the possibility of establishing a Malawian High Commission in Nigeria. Kazombo expressed hope that the visit would accelerate efforts to open a diplomatic mission in Nigeria, similar to Nigeria’s High Commission in Malawi.
The Malawian Parliament has 193 members, with measures in place to promote gender equality. Kazombo’s visit to Nigeria marked a significant step in strengthening parliamentary ties and promoting democratic governance between the two nations.
