Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, is a Nigerian politician, lawyer, and international businessman. Born on May 5, 1971, in Agbamuzu, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, he’s currently the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kalu represents the Bende Federal Constituency. He’s known for his work in legislative reform, peacebuilding, and community development.
He’s got a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Calabar. On top of that, he has a Master of Laws (LL.M) with honors, focusing on Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law, and an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the UK.
Kalu also holds an LL.M in Petroleum Taxation and Finance from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and a PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies from Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja).
He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. Kalu previously served as the youngest chairman of Bende Local Government Area in 2002 and as Senior Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor. Since June 2023, he has been the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, where he chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review.
Early Life
Benjamin Okezie Kalu was born on May 5, 1971, in Agbamuzu, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.
His parents, Eze Kalu (father) and Ngozi Kalu (mother), raised him in a Christian home in Igbo land. He was raised to be disciplined and to give back to his community.
This gentleman seems to keep his siblings’ details private, since he likes to keep his family life out of the public eye, even though he’s well-known.
Education
When you see Ben Kalu’s educational background, you sef go fear. He shows he’s always up for learning and doing his best.
- University of Calabar: LL.B (Bachelor of Laws)
- Nigerian Law School, Enugu: Called to the Nigerian Bar
- University of Dundee, Scotland: LL.M in Petroleum Taxation and Finance
- University of Calabar: LL.M in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law (Distinction)
- Oxford Brookes University, UK: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Yakubu Gowon University (University of Abuja): PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies, 2025
He also holds advanced certifications from global institutions, including:
- International Commercial Arbitration – University of Oxford, UK
- Migration and Human Rights – John Cabot University, Italy
- Illicit Trade – University of Groningen, Netherlands
- Governance and Development – University of Miami, USA
- Environmental Crimes – United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Italy
Ben’s a Fellow at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), the OSH Association (UK), and the Institute of Administrative Managers. Plus, he’s a member of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Legal and Business Career
After he was called to the bar, Kalu started Silk Partners LLP, a firm that helps with legal and business matters like immigration, marketing, and connecting with people internationally. He later got into big-time business, investing in things like real estate, minerals, mining, and manufacturing stuff all over Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Kalu’s humanitarian work includes his leadership of the Sudan Darfur Project in Australia under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), focusing on refugee orientation and fundraising efforts.
Political Career
Kalu’s political journey began in 2002 when he became the youngest chairman of Bende Local Government Area at age 31.
After that, he became the Senior Special Adviser to the former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, and took charge of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
He was later elected in 2019 to represent Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives as an APC member. During the 9th Assembly, he was the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs and also the official spokesperson for the House.
He was re-elected in 2023 and, in June that year, became Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, the sixth-highest office in Nigeria’s legislative structure.
He’s the chair of both the House Committee on Constitution Review and the House Committee of the Whole.
Legislative Contributions
Ben Kalu’s been busy, sponsoring and co-sponsoring over 100 bills and motions, including these important ones:
- The Nigerian Startup Act (2022)
- The Student Loan Act (2024)
- The South East Development Commission Bill
He’s a big voice for state policing, making sure young people are included, and getting more women into government.
On the international scene, Kalu reps Nigeria in the ECOWAS Parliament, where he’s the head of the Finance, Administration, and Budget Committee. He’s also part of the Pan-African Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Projects and Humanitarian Work
Benjamin Kalu Foundation (BKF)
Ben started the Benjamin Kalu Foundation a long time ago, like over 20 years, to help young people, women, and people with disabilities. The foundation works in lots of states, giving out scholarships, healthcare, and financial help.
Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P)
In December 2023, Mr. Kalu initiated the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), a peacebuilding and development initiative designed to address insecurity in that region through dialogue and community engagement. The project has enjoyed support from governors, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders.
Awards and Recognitions
Mr. Benjamin Kalu has been recognized for his contributions to national development and legislative excellence, as you will see from the following awards:
- Zik’s Prize for Civic Engagement
- South East Federal Lawmaker of the Year (Independent Newspapers)
- Outstanding Legislative Contribution Award (Tuberculosis Policy Reform)
- Valuable Parliamentarian (OrderPaper Nigeria)
- Democracy Heroes Award Africa – Outstanding Representative Member of the Year
- Leadership Excellence (LEEX) Award
- FLO FM Icon Award – Most Impactful Lawmaker of the Year
- Humanitarian Service Award
Family – Wife and Children
Benjamin Kalu is married to Mrs. Ifeoma Kalu. The couple celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary in December 2022, marking a union that began around 2005. They are blessed with five children, whose identities remain private.
He resides in Abuja, Nigeria, and is known to maintain a grounded lifestyle centered around family, faith, and service. Kalu stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and is a practising Christian.
Benjamin Kalu Net Worth
Benjamin Kalu’s net worth is estimated between $10 million and $50 million. His money comes from his law firm, his real estate, the international business stuff he does, and from being in politics.
Yes, some reports say he’s worth $200 million, but that probably includes his projects and investments, not just his personal wealth.
Official asset declarations submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau remain confidential and are not publicly disclosed.
Social Media
- Wikipedia: Benjamin Kalu
- Twitter (X): [@OfficialBenKalu]
- Instagram: [@officialbenkalu]
- Facebook: Benjamin Kalu
FAQs about Benjamin Kalu
1. Who is Benjamin Kalu?
Benjamin Kalu is a Nigerian politician and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2. What is Benjamin Kalu’s net worth in 2025?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is between $5 million and $10 million.
3. How did Benjamin Kalu make his money?
He earns from his political career, business ventures, and investments.
4. What political positions has Benjamin Kalu held?
He has served as a member of the House of Representatives and is the current Deputy Speaker.
5. Who is Benjamin Kalu’s wife?
Benjamin Kalu is married to Mrs. Ijeoma Kalu.
6. Does Benjamin Kalu have children?
Yes, he has children, though their details are kept private.
7. Where is Benjamin Kalu from?
He hails from Bende Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria.
8. What schools did Benjamin Kalu attend?
He studied law at the University of Calabar, Nigeria.
9. What businesses or investments does Benjamin Kalu own?
He is involved in real estate, legal consulting, and other private investments.
10. What are Benjamin Kalu’s achievements in Nigerian politics?
He has contributed to legislative reforms and youth empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.
Article updated 21 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
