The Senate has urged the Federal Government to improve state of the nation’s industry and infrastructure to pave way for smooth operation of the recently signed African Continental Free Trade Area, (AFCTA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the agreement at the 12th Extraordinary Summit of AU in Niamey on July 7.
The Senate particularly identified areas such as electricity, good roads and sources of raw materials as areas government should continue to improve upon.
The call followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Jubrin Barau (APC-Kano) and 44 others, who commended the President on the initiative.
NAN reports that Nigeria had initially declined to sign the agreement in Kigali, March 2018, because of agitations from the private sector in Nigeria.
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Barau during his lead debate on the motion expressed hope that Nigerians would benefit largely from the gains of the agreement.
Several lawmakers who made contributions on the debate stressed the need to address infrastructure deficit across the country.
They also called for adequate enlightenment of Nigerians, especially the business community to understand and leverage on the immense prospects of the agreement.
The Senate also adopted the prayer which advised the federal government to be the main driving force for the success of the mission and vision of the agreement.(NAN)
