APPRAISAL OF RATIFICATION AND DOMESTICATION OF TREATIES IN NIGERIA: THE PROCEDURAL CHALLENGES

ABSTRACT

Treaties represent an important instrument by which States undertake and accept responsibilities in the international arena. Nigeria has in furtherance of its international relations entered into a number of multi-lateral and bilateral treaties. Nigeria has by its constitution expressly provided for the treaty making procedure and how treaties can acquire the force of law in Nigeria. It is however, apposite to note that the applicability of a treaty is dependent on a number of factors beyond the signing ceremonies that usually attend the process of signifying consent to be bound by the provisions of the treaty in question. Ratification and Domestication, which are the central focus of this work, are integral part of that procedure.

This work, therefore, examines how treaties acquire the force of law, the inter-relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government in treaty making, Procedure for ratification and domestication and its challenges for Nigeria.