Nigeria’s federal government has clarified that the Samoa Agreement signed on June 28, 2024, does not include any clauses that create rights or support for LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria. This clarification was made during a press briefing arranged by the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to address misinformation circulating in Nigeria’s media.
During the briefing, Minister Idris emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would not endorse anything contrary to Nigeria’s constitution, laws, culture, or faiths. He underscored that all actions taken were in the best interests of the country.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, provided further clarification on the Samoa Agreement. He explained that the agreement is a significant legal framework between the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), aimed at promoting sustainable development, combating climate change, generating employment, and fostering collaboration among member states. Bagudu highlighted that out of the 79 OACPS member states, 74 had signed the agreement by the June 30, 2024 deadline.
Bagudu emphasized that extensive reviews by the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Foreign Affairs, and Justice confirmed that none of the 103 foundational articles and 79 African Region-specific protocols within the Samoa Agreement conflict with Nigeria’s constitution or laws. He specifically noted that LGBTQ rights are neither mentioned nor implied in any part of the agreement.
Furthermore, Bagudu clarified that Nigeria’s declaration accompanying the agreement reinforces the country’s stance on various issues, including energy policies, ensuring that Nigeria’s interests are safeguarded without compromising its developmental goals.
The origins of the Samoa Agreement trace back to the Georgetown Agreement of 1975, which laid the groundwork for trade relations between Nigeria and the OACPS. Bagudu highlighted that the negotiations and outcomes of the agreement were based on universally accepted international laws and conventions while respecting Nigeria’s constitutional supremacy and local laws.
In conclusion, Bagudu assured that any provisions within the Samoa Agreement must align with Nigeria’s constitution and laws. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation while protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and developmental priorities.
The Ministry of Budget worked closely with other relevant ministries through an interministerial committee to ensure that the agreement’s provisions are consistent with Nigeria’s legal framework and developmental agenda.