The Nigerian Senate wants the country to suspend the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme and the common external tariff which Nigeria signed in 2000 saying the country has not gained much from the protocols which it entered into with regional body, Economic Community for West African State (ECOWAS).

According to the sponsor of the motion, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Nigeria’s economy was better off, before it became a party to the trade protocols.

He explained that the protocols have damaged the real and manufacturing sectors, causing the exit of firms like Dunlop, Michelin and Lever Brothers, who have relocated to neighbouring ECOWAS states, to manufacture and ship products back to the Nigerian market at zero duty.

Other lawmakers in agreement with Uzodinma, therefore urged the government to take drastic actions.