By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to immediately halt the signing and implementation of the trade partnership with the UK until the terms and conditions governing the
same are fully examined and ascertained.
This was sequel to a motion by House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda and forty-eight other lawmakers on Tuesday at plenary, on the “Alleged Trade Deal between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) allowing UK Lawyers to
Practice in Nigeria”.
Debating the motion, the Minority Leader noted that the recent reports and public outcry over an alleged economic and trade partnership between the
United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria aimed at exploring new opportunities in key sectors such as the energy,
legal, and financial services sectors.
Rep. Chinda further noted that the trade deal became very heightened some days ago as the legal aspect appeared lopsided and tilted mainly in favour of the UK to the detriment of qualified Nigerian lawyers in that it seeks to
allow UK lawyers to enter the Nigerian legal space and practice but not vice versa.
The motion reads: “Aware that under the trade deal referred to as “Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP),” the British Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch and Nigeria’s Minister for Trade and Investment,
Doris Uzoka, were to sign an agreement on behalf of their respective countries last week in Nigeria.
“Also aware that it was also reported that under the Trade partnership, Nigeria committed herself to working towards removing barriers that prevent UK lawyers from practicing international and foreign law in Nigeria.
“Fiurther aware that while the deal seeks to foster collaboration between the film and media industries in the UK and Nigeria, it does not cater for the interests of Nigerian lawyers as there are no such provisions or opportunities for them to practice their trade in the UK;
“Cognizant of the fact that while it is good for Nigeria to enter into partnership deals with other countries for the purpose of unlocking future opportunities and thus contributing towards boosting the country’s
economy, such deals must be seen to promote, preserve, and protect the interests of the generality of
Nigerians”.
The lawmaker said that in furtherance of its law-making powers under Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the National Assembly has a duty to inquire into matters such as this in the overall interest of the country and the citizenry.
“Further cognizant of the fact that following the public outcry over the said trade deal, the Nigerian Bar
Association (NBA) through its President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) issued a statement questioning the
legality of the legal services aspect of the deal and calling for a halt to its signing and implementation.
“Concerned that the statement issued by the NBA may have reassured Nigerian lawyers and doused the tension and controversy generated by the alleged trade deal, it is apparent that there was insufficient consultation with key stakeholders and affected interests with respect to the deal”, Rep. Chinda stated.
He expressed concern that there is an urgent need for the House to investigate the said trade deal between the UK and Nigeria with a view to ascertaining the terms and conditions thereof.
And that unless immediate pragmatic steps are taken to investigate and address this issue, the country
may unwittingly be entering into a deal whose terms and conditions may in the long run be unfavourable to the country and the overall interest of Nigerians.
Resolves to:
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements to investigate the matter and report
back within four weeks for further legislative action.