The House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements has launched an investigation into Nigeria's bilateral and multilateral treaties, memoranda of understanding, and foreign-funded contracts. Concerns focus on sovereignty risks, debt exposure, and economic security. Chairman Rep. Rabiu Yusuf emphasized that the review aims to protect national interests without political bias.
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements began a comprehensive review of all agreements Nigeria has entered into with foreign entities. Led by Chairman Rep. Rabiu Yusuf, the probe addresses potential threats to the country's sovereignty, including hidden obligations, sovereignty waivers, unfavorable arbitration clauses, and undisclosed financial risks in treaties and contracts.
The committee highlighted weaknesses in the oversight of treaty-making processes, particularly for foreign-funded infrastructure projects involving companies from abroad, such as Chinese firms. These contracts will be examined for value for money, loan exposures, compliance with local content requirements, performance standards, and adherence to environmental and labor regulations. "Nigeria cannot afford treaties that weaken our legal authority, compromise national assets, or burden future generations with unsustainable liabilities," the committee stated.
This initiative fulfills the House's constitutional duties under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates legislative approval for treaties to become law. The review seeks to bolster Nigeria's negotiation capabilities and establish a national framework for treaty oversight, including digital tracking systems. Treaties influence key areas like job creation, trade, taxation, infrastructure, and foreign investment; flawed agreements could exacerbate debt and endanger strategic assets. "Our goal is simple: Nigeria must never sign what it cannot defend," the committee affirmed.
To conduct the investigation, the committee will request documents from federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), state governments, foreign contractors, diplomatic missions, banks, and financial institutions. Service Management Consultancy Nigeria has been hired as a technical consultant to offer forensic, legal, financial, and technical support. A public awareness campaign will educate citizens on the committee's work.
Non-compliance by MDAs or foreign entities could lead to sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. The process includes document collection, verification, forensic assessments, legal reviews, stakeholder hearings, field inspections, and a final report to the House. "This investigation will be thorough, professional, non-partisan and guided strictly by evidence," Rep. Yusuf assured. The committee vowed to illuminate opaque agreements, safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and ensuring treaties honor the nation's dignity and future.
