Reps to scrutinize FG, EU economic partnership

By Umar Muhammad Puma

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its committees on treaty and that on the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACPU) to scrutinise the proposed economic partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU).

The House also resolved to invite relevant government authorities for clear explanations about the content and extent of the proposed economic partnership agreement.

In a motion brought before the House by Rep Akpan Micah Umoh (PDP, Akwa Ibom) said the pact, was proposed by the EU and “ordinarily looks skewed in favour of the economies of Europe to the detriment of the economies of African countries and Nigeria in particular.

“If Nigeria endorses the new European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, we will inadvertently transfer job opportunities of our children to their children and we will become dumping ground of their good to the total annihilation of our industries and manufacturing systems which is meant to create jobs for our people.”

He said the House’s scrutiny on the content of the agreement would frustrate any effort of attempt at recolonization, pointing out that if this is not done, there is possibility that the pact would “pass a death sentence on our economic and industrialisation” drives.

“The deadline of October 1 for signing of this EPA with European Union if consummated would undermine the rising statues of Nigeria as an Economic power and would undermine the strategic advantage of our youthful population which remain a strong resource if given opportunity,” he said.

Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while ruling on the motion, explained that having served in relevant capacity to the matter during previous assembly, the content of the agreement ought to be clearly understood by the House before its final ratification by the two parties.