NIGERIA WILL NOT SACRIFICE SOVEREIGNTY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEALS — REPS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The House of Representatives has reaffirmed that Nigeria will not enter into any international agreement that undermines its sovereignty or national interest. Chairman of the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements, Mr. Rabiu Yusuf, stated this in Abuja during a briefing to mark the launch of a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols and foreign-funded contracts.
Mr. Yusuf explained that the review is aimed at strengthening constitutional oversight, protecting national assets and ensuring that Nigeria’s international commitments do not expose the country to hidden financial, legal or security risks. He said the National Assembly is exercising its constitutional responsibility to scrutinise agreements entered into with foreign governments, international organisations and private contractors.
According to him, many agreements signed over the years lacked proper parliamentary approval, domestication and continuous monitoring, with some containing hidden obligations, sovereignty waivers, unfavourable arbitration clauses and financial risks unknown to the public. He stressed that the exercise is not a political witch-hunt but a corrective and preventive step to safeguard the nation.
The committee noted that special attention will be given to foreign-funded infrastructure projects to ensure value for money, fair loan terms, compliance with local content laws and adherence to environmental and labour standards. Mr. Yusuf emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford agreements that weaken its legal authority, endanger national assets or place unsustainable burdens on future generations.
He added that the review will ensure full compliance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates National Assembly approval before treaties can have legal force. The committee also warned that any agency or stakeholder that fails to cooperate will face sanctions, as empowered by Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.