A house of representatives committee says plans are underway to review all Nigeria’s treaties, agreements, and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with foreign partners.
Over the years, poorly negotiated agreements have exposed Nigeria to significant financial, legal, and strategic risks.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Rabiu Yusuf, chairman of the house committee on treaties, protocols and agreements, said the exercise will safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and economic security.
Yusuf, who was flanked by members of the committee, said the “comprehensive review” will strengthen accountability and ensure that every treaty reflects the national interest.
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“Nigeria must not be bound by agreements that compromise her sovereignty, undermine her economic stability, or place undue liabilities on future generations,” he said.
Yusuf described the planned review as one of the most critical national exercises in recent history, noting that the exercise will cover agreements across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, finance, power, transportation, ICT, aviation, ports, environment, and security.
He said particular attention will be paid to compliance with section 12 of the constitution regarding treaty domestication, as well as procurement processes, arbitration clauses, loan conditions, collateralisation risks, and local content obligations.
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The lawmaker said the committee will send letters to 53 key stakeholders, including federal ministries, agencies, regulators, state governments, Chinese companies, foreign contractors, development partners, and financial institutions.
Yusuf said a nationwide public awareness campaign, featuring full-page newspaper notices and televised announcements, has been launched to inform Nigerians about the purpose and importance of the investigation.
To support the technical and legal rigour of the exercise, he said the committee has engaged consultants who will conduct forensic treaty analysis, legal and financial risk evaluation, stakeholder mapping, documentation review, and digital treaty tracking.
“This is not a political exercise. It is a constitutional and patriotic duty undertaken in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We call on all ministries, agencies, companies, and partners to cooperate fully with the committee,” Yusuf said.
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He warned that failure to comply with requests for documents would result in the committee invoking its constitutional powers under sections 88 and 89 of the constitution to issue arrest warrants for defaulters.
“Every international agreement affects everyday life, including job creation, trade, taxes, infrastructure, and foreign investment. Poorly negotiated agreements can weaken our economy, increase debt, or even threaten strategic national assets,” he said.
Yusuf said Nigeria will no longer sign agreements in the dark, adding that the committee will protect the nation’s sovereignty by ensuring every treaty is scrutinised before approval.
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