We didn’t sign agreement on same-sex, Nigerian government clarifies
By Emmanuel Sixtus
The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to invalidate any “same-sex” provisions linked to the “Samoa Agreement” signed by the European Union, EU Member States, and African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) States, including Nigeria.
This update was given by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation on Thursday night following widespread criticism about the human rights and gender equality aspects of the deal.
Overview of the SAMOA Agreement
The Samoa Agreement, finalized on November 15, 2023, emphasizes human rights, democracy, good governance, gender equality, and the rule of law. It replaces the Cotonou Agreement of 2000, which fostered cooperation on peace, security, and boosted trade relations through Economic Partnership Agreements.
Under the Samoa Agreement, the EU has committed to investing at least €150 billion in Africa by 2027 through the “Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package.”
This investment includes various infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Rosso Bridge between Mauritania and Senegal and the modernization of highways in Kenya.
Clarification from Nigerian Officials
Despite the economic benefits outlined in the agreement, there has been significant concern in Nigeria regarding the inclusion of same-sex provisions.
Media Assistant to the Minister of Budget, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, emphasized that the agreement was purely for economic development and did not mention LGBT or same-sex marriage provisions.
He stated, “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.”
Government’s Stance on the Agreement
Idris, a key spokesperson for the executive branch, further clarified that the agreement was signed with Nigeria’s economic interests in mind and based on the understanding of Nigeria’s representatives.
He noted that prior to signing, Nigerian stakeholders were informed that any part of the agreement promoting same-sex marriage would be invalidated. Idris reiterated that Nigeria’s law criminalizes same-sex relationships.
He elaborated, “The Samoa Agreement has 103 articles comprising a common foundational compact and three regional protocols: Africa-EU, Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU, each addressing the peculiar issues of the regions.
Nigeria signed the Agreement on June 28, 2024, after extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee. It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution or other extant laws of Nigeria.”
Ensuring National Interests
Idris assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, being a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement detrimental to the country’s interests.
He emphasized that the Samoa Agreement serves as a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the EU to promote sustainable development, combat climate change, generate investment opportunities, and foster international collaboration among OACPS Member States.
Despite these assurances, the Samoa Agreement has sparked controversy among Nigerians, reflecting ongoing concerns about international commitments conflicting with national laws and cultural values.
On social media, the government has received knocks for signing the agreement.
