Reps to Probe Nigeria’s €1.1m Debt to OACPS, Demand Action on Insecurity in Kwara, Niger
Nigeria’s unpaid €1.1 million debt to OACPS prompts urgent House investigation and diplomatic concern.
Reps also demand military action in Kwara and Niger amid escalating terrorist and bandit threats.
The House of Representatives has launched a probe into Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligation of €1,119,979.86 to the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), expressing concerns that the backlog could harm the nation’s development ties and international standing.
This decision was reached during plenary following a motion presented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, who highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s continued engagement with the OACPS, particularly in light of the financial and developmental benefits it has brought to the country.
Isiaka revealed that Nigeria has benefited from over €1.7 billion in development assistance through the OACPS-European Union (EU) partnership since 2020. These funds have supported numerous initiatives across sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development.
However, he warned that the country’s failure to settle its outstanding contribution could result in diplomatic fallout, including possible sanctions or suspension from the body an outcome that would negatively affect Nigeria’s access to future EU-backed development programs.
In response, the House mandated its Committees on Finance, National Planning and Economic Development, and Debt Management to investigate the circumstances surrounding the debt. The committees are to evaluate the long-term implications of Nigeria’s continued membership in the organization and engage with the relevant ministries and agencies to expedite the payment process. They are expected to present their findings and recommendations within two weeks.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the House passed another resolution addressing the growing security threats in parts of Kwara and Niger States.
Lawmakers raised alarm over the surge in terrorist and bandit activities in the two states, warning that the situation was deteriorating rapidly and threatening the safety of residents. The House called for an immediate and robust military intervention to restore peace and order in the affected communities.
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to intensify operations in the area, and called on the federal government to allocate additional resources and logistical support for the mission.
Both resolutions underscore the House’s concern over issues of national security and international credibility, and its commitment to holding relevant stakeholders accountable to protect the country’s interests at home and abroad.
