By ifeoma Onyekachi

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and European countries, particularly in technology transfer, industrial development, and financial partnerships to boost local production and employment.

Kalu made the appeal while receiving a delegation of European parliamentarians under the First Step Forum, led by Marc Jost, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring collaboration on global economic and development issues.

The Deputy Speaker promoted the economic concept known as “near-shoring,” which involves relocating technology, finance, and industrial production closer to the regions where raw materials are sourced, especially in Africa.

According to him, such partnerships would help Nigeria maximize its natural resources, reduce unemployment among its growing youth population, and address the challenge of irregular migration.

Kalu explained that near-shoring encourages countries that produce raw materials to also host processing and manufacturing industries, rather than exporting resources in their raw form.

He noted that Nigeria should move away from exporting commodities such as cocoa and lithium in their raw state and instead focus on local processing and manufacturing of finished products like chocolate and electric vehicle batteries.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted Nigeria’s lithium deposits, describing them as among the best globally, and stressed the importance of international partnerships that would support local battery production, particularly as the world shifts toward cleaner energy technologies.

Kalu further called for a renewed Africa-Europe relationship built on mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity rather than historical grievances.

Speaking on Nigeria’s religious diversity, he described it as a strength that contributes to inclusive governance and balanced decision-making.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting religious harmony and inclusiveness, noting that the administration has demonstrated commitment to unity through national policies and symbolic actions, including the recent unveiling of a chapel at the National Assembly attended by the First Lady.