ABUJA, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 – Members of the ECOWAS Parliament have advised Nigeria to avoid using “panic measures” to address the country’s current economic situation.
The call was made at the presentation of Nigeria’s Report at the ongoing second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Monday.
Members of parliament raised concerns over Nigeria’s current economic situation and advised that the country use a more inclusive approach to address the recession.
They commended efforts taken by the Federal Government to tackle the situation but raised concerns that it was not doing enough.
Mr Dominic Azumah, representing Ghana, said that Nigeria needed to include its citizens in the process of resolving the country’s economic situation.
“Using panic measures is not necessary; Nigeria needs to be calm, move with and consult the people on the way out of the economic recession.
Mr Alfred Agbeshie, also representing Ghana, raised, concerns about the vandalism of oil pipelines in the country.
“Is the release of money by the government going to solve the Nigerian economic situation?” he asked.
Ms Aïssata Daffe, representing Guinea, noted that despite the measures Nigeria had taken to contain corruption and improve the economy “the naira continues to depreciate”.
In her response, Mrs Lynda Ikpeazu, representing Nigeria, agreed that Nigeria was not doing enough to address the recession, but stressed that efforts were being made to revive the economy.
Ikpeazu reiterated that the Federal Government was engaging perpetrators of oil pipeline vandalism, which she said, had contributed to the current economic situation.
She also said that the government would look into complaints made by some representatives on citizens of member countries facing difficulties in obtaining Right of Residence permits to live and work in the country.
Also, Mr Mohammed Lafiagi, representing Nigeria, reiterated that the Federal Government had set up committees to address the menace of pipeline vandalism.
“Nigeria has not taken to the use of force; a committee has been set up and dialogue is going on.
Responding to the concerns raised by members of parliament on security, Lafiagi reiterated that efforts were also being made to tackle all forms of insurgency and bring the Chibok girls back.
“The question of the Chibok girls is germane; Nigeria cannot move in with force, this must be done through negotiations.
“Nigeria is making more efforts,” Lafiagi said.
