The federal government has vowed to nullify any same-sex provisions associated with the Samoa Agreement, signed by the European Union, its member states, and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (OACP) States, including Nigeria.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation on Thursday night, following widespread criticism over the perceived implications of the human rights and gender equality aspects of the agreement.
The Samoa Agreement, which was finalized on November 15, 2023, prioritizes human rights, democracy, good governance, gender equality, and the rule of law.
It replaces the Cotonou Agreement of 2000, which focused on cooperation in peace, security, and trade relations through Economic Partnership Agreements.
A key component of the Samoa Agreement is the European Union’s commitment to invest at least €150 billion in Africa by 2027 through the “Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package.”
This includes projects such as constructing the Rosso Bridge between Mauritania and Senegal and modernising highways in Kenya.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, through his media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, emphasized that the agreement is solely for economic development and does not include any provisions related to same-sex marriage or LGBT rights.
“The documents signed by the federal government were strictly for the economic development of Nigeria. Nowhere in the documents were LGBT or same-sex marriage mentioned even remotely, and it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies. What Bagudu signed was in relation to a $150 billion trade component,” Adebiyi stated.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation further clarified by insisting that Nigeria’s participation in the Samoa Agreement was based on its economic interests.
He added that Nigeria would invalidate any part of the agreement promoting same-sex marriage, in support of the laws that criminalise such relationships.
“The (Somoa) agreement has 103 articles comprising a common foundational compact and three regional protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions.
“Nigeria signed the Agreement on Friday 28 June 2024. This was done after extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ). It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or the laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws.
“In addition, Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.
“It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same sex relationships in Nigeria enacted in 2014.”
Nigeria signed the Agreement on June 28, 2024, after extensive reviews and consultations. It was ensured that none of the articles and provisions contravenes the 1999 Constitution or the laws of Nigeria,” he explained.
Idris assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration, being a rule-based government, would not enter into any international agreement detrimental to the country’s interests.
Despite Nigeria’s multiple economic partnerships, the Samoa Agreement has stirred controversy among Nigerians, reflecting broader concerns about aligning international commitments with national laws and values.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
