Sovereignty: Reps to Review Treaties, MoUs Signed by FG !

Sovereignty: Reps to Review Treaties, MoUs Signed by FG By Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa

The House of Representatives has resolved to conduct a comprehensive review of all international treaties, agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) entered into by the Federal Government, citing concerns over Nigeria’s sovereignty, debt exposure and weak legislative oversight. [1]Chairman of the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, Rabiu Yusuf, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. He said Nigeria has, over the years, committed to numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements without sufficient scrutiny by the legislature, a development he believes has, in some cases, undermined national interest. [1]Yusuf noted that several agreements contain provisions that expose the country to hidden financial obligations, unfavourable arbitration clauses and potential waivers of sovereignty, warning that some foreign‑funded infrastructure contracts require deeper scrutiny for value‑for‑money, loan exposure, and compliance with local content, environmental and labour standards. [2]He said the review would help enforce Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires legislative approval before international treaties can take effect in Nigeria, and would strengthen transparency, negotiation power and oversight of future foreign agreements. [2]The committee also plans to propose a national framework for treaty oversight and digital tracking to prevent future lapses and ensure that agreements protect Nigeria’s interests rather than endanger them. [2]

Citations:1. Punch: punchng.com/reps-to-review-nigerias-treaties-mous-over-sovereignty-debt-risks/?utm_source2. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/politics/reps-probe-nigerias-treaties-foreign-funded-contracts/?utm_3. Tribune Online: tribuneonlineng.com/reps-probe-airport-power-port-tax-agreements-with-foreign-companies-others/?utm_

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