News

Domesticate Treaties Beneficial To Nigeria’s Economic Development, Ex – Reps Minority Whip Tells 10th NASS

Published

3 years ago

May 13, 2023

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Dr. Samson Osagie, a former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives has urged members of the 10th National Assembly to utilise their oversight functions to ensure treaties that are of immense benefits to Nigeria are immediately domesticated.

He said treaties like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement; Double Taxation Agreements with several countries, etc, should be immediately domesticated by the 10th National Assembly so that Nigeria can begin to derive their (treaties) benefits for economic development.

Dr. Osagie who was one of the resource persons at a 5-day induction programme organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, for newly elected members of the 10th Assembly, said though issues of foreign policy formulation are within the domain of executive arm of government, Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the National Assembly to enact laws to incorporate Treaties already entered into by Nigeria before such Treaties can become enforceable in Nigeria.

The 5-day induction programme held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, was themed: ‘Foreign Policy and Domestication of Treaties: The Role of the National Assembly.’

Dr Osagie is also the Chairman of the African Bar Association and an Adjunct Lecturer at the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, argued it is of no use for Nigeria to sign an agreement it does not intend to honour.

He said: “For several years, particularly since independence, Nigeria has participated in the signing of international treaties and agreements but with less attention giving to the domestication of such treaties and the performance of its obligations under those treaties.

“Nigeria needs the support of other nations to maintain a robust economy and enhance its development.

“It is therefore submitted, that Nigeria must take very seriously the domestication of several beneficial treaties it has entered into with so many countries and on different issues of development by submitting them to the tenth National Assembly for immediate legislative actions.

“The Federal Ministry of Justice in consultation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can also begin the process of denunciation or making reservations about certain treaties which Nigeria has entered into that have either become otiose or irrelevant to the contemporary Nigeria development agenda.

“Thus, it suffices to say that it is of no use for a country to sign an agreement it does not intend to honour as such is capable of portraying the country in bad light.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.