The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligation of €1.2 million to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), warning that continued non-payment could damage the country’s diplomatic standing and development partnerships.
The decision was taken on Tuesday during plenary following a motion of urgent national importance moved by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC, Ogun State).
Isiaka expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s persistent failure to meet its financial commitments to the OACPS, despite being a significant beneficiary of the organisation’s development initiatives.
“Since 2020, Nigeria has benefited from over €1.7 billion in development support through the OACPS-European Union partnership,” he stated. “It is deeply troubling that, despite such substantial benefits, we are yet to fulfil our modest obligation to the organisation.”
He further warned that the debt, if left unpaid, could attract sanctions or limit Nigeria’s access to future funding, especially under the new OACPS-EU partnership framework succeeding the Cotonou Agreement (2000–2020).
The OACPS, formerly known as the ACP Group of States, coordinates development support and policy cooperation between member states and the European Union. Nigeria, as one of its largest members, is expected to make regular financial contributions to support the organisation’s budget and programmes.
Ruling on the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committees on Finance, National Planning, and Debt Management to jointly review the implications of Nigeria’s participation in the OACPS, assess the status of the debt, and liaise with relevant ministries and agencies to expedite payment.
The committees are to report back to the House within two weeks.
Observers say the investigation could help restore confidence in Nigeria’s international obligations and ensure continued access to vital development support, particularly in infrastructure, health, education, and economic recovery projects.