Nigerians praises AU over single currency, passport proposal

Firstclass newsline gathered that some Abuja residents on Monday said
plans by the African Union to introduce a single currency and passport
was a step in the right direction.
They told theNews Agency of Nigeriathat the proposal, if implemented,
would help in uniting Africans and boost the continent's
socio-economic development.
Mr Mathaias Aliyu, a civil servant and resident of Garki said the
idea, if actualised would help in easing the movement of Africans
across the continent and make commercial activities in Africa easier.
He said in the long run, it would have a multiplier effect on the
continent's economy and political developments.
Ms Amaka Oti toldNANthat, "it's a good idea and that the former
president of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, also raised this idea years back
but the western countries used it against him.
"I support the idea 100 per cent because it will help our economy," Oti said.
A trader, Mr Idris Musa, cautioned that necessary economic policies
should be put in place before the continent adopted a single currency
and passport, saying doing otherwise would endanger the continent's
economy.
Mr Ike Victor, a business man said the single currency and passport
proposed was a welcoming idea, considering that most African countries
share cultural values and norms.
He said it would help Africans live freely where they find themselves
on the continent.
However, Jide Olayinka, a political activist said even in the distant
future, time was not ripe for Africa to adopt a single passport and
currency.
Olayinka said the single currency and passport proposal, if
implemented, would entail that Nigeria surrenders its independence to
the African Union.
NANrecalls that Mr Anthony Maruping, AU Commissioner for Economic
Affairs on June 12 in Johannesburg said African leaders were
contemplating adopting a common currency and passport.
"The single currency and passport are aimed at connecting Africa
through world class infrastructure with a concerted push to finance
and implement major projects," he was quoted as saying.
Firstclassnewsline.net