By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives yesterday launched an investigation into bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols, agreements and foreign-funded contracts entered into by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the House Commitee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, Rabiu Yusuf along with members of his panel during a press briefing held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja yesterday.
The chairman also disclosed that the move is aimed at protecting Nigeria along with her sovereignty and economic future.
According to the committee, the investigation is designed to strengthen legal compliance, enhance transparency, as well as shield Nigeria from poorly negotiated international commitments that could expose the country to long-term financial risks and dangers.
Earlier in his address, Yusuf warned that Nigeria must no longer be tied to agreements that undermine national interest, stressing that the investigation would thoroughly review all existing treaties or contract to prevent a compromise of the nation’s sovereignty and weaken economic stability.
He added that the investigation would span key sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, finance, power, transportation, information and communications technology, aviation, ports, environment and national security.
The panel assured that they would pay proper and special attention to the degree of compliance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution on treaty domestication, as well as procurement procedures, arbitration clauses, loan conditions among others.
As part of its operational strategy, the committee disclosed that formal requests for documents would be sent to 53 critical stakeholders across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
To widen public participation, the panel disclosed that it has activated a nationwide awareness campaign through media adverts and announcement to educate all Nigerians on the purpose and significance of the review.
The committee revealed that public and civil society groups will be expected to contribute relevant information to support the exercise.
The committee also announced the appointment of technical and strategic consultants to provide forensic analysis of treaties, legal and financial risk assessments, documentation review and digital treaty-tracking support.
The chairman also stressed that the exercise is non-partisan and constitutionally driven urging all ministries, agencies, companies and international partners to cooperate fully in order to ensure success.
He added that his committee’s final report will be expected by May next year with powerful legislative suggestions and recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s treaty governance framework.
