Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari (photo), has signed a number of bilateral agreements with some countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to intensify the fight against corruption in his country. Signed in Abuja, the agreements include Mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, Mutual legal assistance in commercial matters, Transfer of sentenced persons and an Extradition treaty.

“I’ve just signed instruments of ratification for a number of agreements covering Anti-Corruption, Tax Administration and Intellectual Property Protection. Today's ratification of Agreements is an important step, in line with the delivery of our Anti-Corruption & Economic Diversification Vision. The full implementation of the agreements has, however, been delayed due to the need by both sides to conclude their respective ratification processes. With this sovereign act, which has been replicated in the United Arab Emirates by their responsible authorities, we are now in a position to utilize these agreements fully to foster cooperation between our respective authorities particularly for the purpose of prosecuting the anti-corruption campaign of this Government”, Buhari said in a statement.                                                                         

He, however, directed all relevant Government agencies and bodies to immediately commence the implementation of the agreements.

Other agreements signed by the leader are: the Charter for the Lake Chad Basin between Nigeria, Cameroun, Central Africa Republic, Libya, Niger and Republic of Chad; African Tax Administration Forum Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters, World Intellectual Property Organization Performances and Phonograms Treaty as well as the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Audio-Visual Performances.

Anita Fatunji