N/Assembly to domesticate all pending Treaties, MoUs- Dogara

Abuja – The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, yesterday reiterated the resolve of the legislature to domesticate all pending treaties, memoranda of understanding and agreements that will bring benefit to Nigerians.

Dogara said this while speaking to a Korean delegation that paid him a courtesy visit recently in the National Assembly.

The speaker assured the delegation, led by the South Korea ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Noh Kyu-duk that the double taxation avoidance agreement bill to implement the agreement between the two countries will be passed with urgency.

He noted that the law was already in force in Korea, where Nigerian businessmen are already reaping the benefits.

“It is the commitment of the 8th National Assembly that all agreements entered into by past goverments, once they will subsist to benefit of the populace, that we will not hesitate to pass them.

“I admire the speed at which you translated your own side of the agreement, i know that Nigerians doing business there have already started benefiting from it while we have not started on our own side,” he said.

He added that the committee overseeing domestication of agreements and treaties will do everything possible within the ambit of the law and standing orders of the House to ensure that the law is domesticated and that Nigeria reciprocates Korea’s kind gesture.

“I sincerely believe in maintaining a very friendly relationship with Korea, there’s a lot Nigeria can gain from learning from your commitment,” he stated.

While thanking the country for its interest in Nigeria’s economy, and plans to invest in the agro allied sector, he urged them to consider key areas of power, solid minerals and tourism.

“Of particular interest to us now is diversification of the economy, solid minerals that litter the country and power because without power, I don’t think we can make progress.

“Tourism to an extent because we have vast tourism sites,” he explained.

Dogara also assured them of the support of the legislature in the interest of Nigeria and expressed the desire to promote a cordial relationship between the 2 countries.

Earlier, the ambassador of Korea appealed to the speaker to ensure that the Double Taxation Avoidance Bill is passed by the House of Representatives before the year comes to an end.

He said also called for the establishment of parliamentary friendship groups between Nigeria and South Korea.