The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for deeper parliamentary diplomacy between Nigeria and Cuba to accelerate frameworks for mutual economic benefits.

Mr Kalu made the call in Abuja on Sunday while hosting a Cuban parliamentary delegation led by Fernando Llort and the Cuban ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmeiro.

He said that Nigeria and Cuba shared a long history of resilience, people-centered development, and solidarity that should be deepened through parliamentary diplomacy.

Mr Kalu, however, decried the low level of bilateral trade between the two countries, saying it is minimal.

The deputy speaker said that the UN Comtrade reports showed that Nigeria’s imports from Cuba were just $2,380 in 2024, despite the deep cultural ties that existed in music, sports, and literature.

Mr Kalu said that there was a need to convert the opportunities for artisans, agri-entrepreneurs, and the creative industry.

According to him, these are raw values, raw materials in our hands; let us utilize them and strengthen trade relationships.

The lawmaker said that friendships between nations are not measured by ceremonies, but by tangible impact, such as hospitals that heal, scholarships that empower, trade that transforms, and knowledge that is shared.

Mr Kalu highlighted Cuba’s global contributions in healthcare, stating that over 600,000 medical professionals have been deployed to 165 countries.

According to him, Nigeria’s peacekeeping record  showed that over 200,000 troops had been deployed in more than 40 missions worldwide.

“The Nigeria–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group to work towards frameworks for medical exchanges, joint research, youth and skills development, cultural cooperation, and expanded bilateral trade. The agreements should translate into signed memoranda, ratified frameworks, and funded programmes that directly benefit citizens.

“Nigeria offers scale, market strength, and a vibrant youthful population, while Cuba brings tested expertise in healthcare, biotechnology, and education. Together, we can co-develop vaccines, expand cultural exchanges, and boost trade opportunities,” he said.

The deputy speaker stated that Nigeria is  keen on partnerships in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, and cultural diplomacy, saying that such cooperation must guarantee technology transfer, job creation, and stronger institutions.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building partnerships with Cuba in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a multipolar world where Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean have a stronger collective voice.

“I believe in a reassuring, good economic model. You have the expertise and the technology; you can bring it down here to Nigeria. We can build factories together in Nigeria. That is what this Cuban friendship group is about, not a jamboree. It is to be the catalyst that will stimulate this kind of conversation.

“The partnership of reciprocity is what we are looking at. Nigeria sees this relationship not as a one-way street, but as a balanced exchange. Cuba can benefit from Nigeria’s 200 million-strong market. It’s a big market for you to reach your resources, vibrant, creative industries, youthful population, and continental leadership,” said Mr Kalu.

He added, “From energy and agriculture to pharmaceuticals, tourism, sports, and culture, opportunities are diverse. Nigeria offers scale and opportunity, and together we can uplift our people and the wider global South.

“Our agreement must guarantee technology transfer, fair protection of intellectual property, and a local value chain that translates into jobs, into clinics, and stronger universities. Let the visit be more than protocol. It must mark the beginning of a concrete framework between the Nigerian parliament and the Cuban National Assembly,” he said.

(NAN)