“A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Agency for Foreign Assistance” (NAFA) has unanimously passed second reading in the House of Representatives. According to the Bill sponsor, Hon. Gideon Gwani (PDP: Kaduna), the Bill seeks to establish an agency charged with the responsibility of obtaining relevant information, data and reports on activities relating to the promotion and development of foreign programs.
Leading the debate at the House plenary on Thursday 1st December 2016, Hon. Gwani stated that a legal framework would be developed to promote a joint-agreement with relevant institutions and organization responsible for providing foreign assistance in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
The functions of the Agency include;
- Coordinating and facilitating Nigeria’s development through foreign assistance.
- Extending the provisions on education, technical training and health services with high priority given to tackling HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
- Collaborating with donor agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to provide developmental assistance.
- Capacity building towards Agricultural and Infrastructural growth.
In addition, Hon Gwani explained that the Agency would give Nigeria the opportunity to build mutual relationships with other countries in terms of foreign assistance.
The House has referred the Bill to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for further legislative input.
