An economist, Prof Akpan Ekpo, has faulted the Nigeria-United Kingdom port deal, saying it would not benefit Nigeria, rather it would leave the country in debt.
Prof Ekpo made this statement on Monday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television.
He was reacting to the recently signed Memoranda of Understandings between the two countries.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom, had signed three Memoranda of Understanding, MoUs, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The agreements cover migration partnership, cooperation on organised immigration crime and border security, and a statement of intent on expanding business visas for UK companies operating in Nigeria.
Reacting to this development, the economist said, “The British government is very clever. They’ve turned economic diplomacy upside down and reinforced our neo-colonial status.
“The rehabilitation deal for Apapa and Tincan ports will only benefit the British economy. It’ll revitalise their ailing steel industry and enhance their banks, leaving Nigeria in debt. Even the job creation will benefit the British, not Nigerians.
“So my view is that, aside from the glamorous reception, they should have allowed the experts. We have the investment promotion commission to work out this deal. Because if you look at it, if you go further, all the equipment needed to renovate the ports and so on, they all come from the British government. So really, there’s no much gain for Nigerians.”
