By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja The House of Representatives on Monday commenced legislative action to strengthen Nigeria’s commercial and trade framework, holding a public hearing on 13 commerce-related bills, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Domestication Bill, aimed at positioning the country to maximise opportunities under Africa’s single market. The public hearing, organised by the House Committee on Commerce at the National Assembly, drew key stakeholders from the Federal Government, regulatory agencies, the organised private sector, professional bodies, development partners and civil society groups. Abbas Tajudeen, said the proposed legislation forms part of the 10th House’s economic reform agenda to improve the ease of doing business, remove regulatory bottlenecks, attract investment and promote sustainable economic growth.
Represented at the event, Abbas described commerce as “one of the strongest pillars of our economy,” stressing that the bills must undergo rigorous public scrutiny to ensure they respond to emerging realities and global best practices. He said, “The purpose of today’s hearing is to subject these Bills to rigorous public scrutiny, receive constructive input from stakeholders, identify areas that require refinement, and ensure that the legislation we eventually enact promotes enterprise, protects legitimate business interests, encourages fair competition and advances sustainable economic growth.” The Speaker noted that the exercise aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, which prioritises economic growth, institutional reforms, good governance and private sector development. He added, “Since our inauguration, we have remained committed to enacting laws that improve the ease of doing business, support entrepreneurship, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, attract investment and create opportunities for our people.” Abbas further said the legislative initiative also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing the legal framework required to drive economic reforms.
“As the People’s House, we shall continue to provide the legislative framework and oversight necessary to translate that vision into measurable progress for businesses, investors and ordinary Nigerians,” he said. Speaking on the AfCFTA Domestication Bill, the Minister…
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