- The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, confirmed Nigeria has signed a N150 billion Samoa agreement
- The development has resulted in a lot of controversy because of LGBTQ clauses allegedly attached to the agreement
- Clerics and critics have raised concerns over the clause in the deal Nigeria assented to
Nigeria's recent signing of the $150 billion Samoa Agreement has sparked significant controversy due to alleged LGBTQ clauses attached to the deal.
The agreement, confirmed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has faced strong opposition from various sectors, including clerics, rights activists, and civil society organisations (CSOs).
Samoa agreement confirmation and controversy
Bagudu confirmed the signing at a European Union (EU) reception in Abuja on July 1, 2024. Opponents argue that the deal includes conditions requiring support for LGBTQ rights in exchange for financial and other support from advanced countries. However, Bagudu's media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, clarified on July 3 that the referenced documents pertain strictly to economic development and do not mention LGBTQ rights or same-sex marriage. He emphasised that the agreement is related to a $150 billion trade component, not LGBTQ issues.
“The article does not represent the content of the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria. Articles 2.5 and 29.5 guarantee universal access to sexual and reproductive health commodities and promote a gender perspective and gender equality across policies."
Adebiyi stated. He further clarified that the agreement is subject to domestic laws, and Nigeria's signing does not imply support for LGBTQ rights.
Reactions from legal and religious bodies
Sonnie Ekwowusi, Chairman of the Human and Constitutional Rights Committee of the African Bar Association (AfBA), condemned the signing of the Samoa Agreement. He described the agreement as "nauseating" and a threat to Nigeria's sovereignty, accusing officials of not understanding its implications.
“The Samoa Agreement legalises LGBT rights, transgenderism, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries. The signing of this Agreement by Nigeria constitutes a threat to our sovereignty and democracy,” Ekwowusi argued.
He called for Nigeria to withdraw from the agreement and urged the National Assembly to summon the officials responsible.
Kamarudeen Ogundele, spokesman for the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, indicated that further information is needed before commenting on the controversy.
Ongoing opposition to the Samoa agreement
Abubakar Akande, administrative secretary of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), reiterated the council's stance against the agreement, aligning with the position since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He noted that the NSCIA's Legal Director reviewed the 403-page document, which did not include provisions for same-sex marriage.
“We would not welcome such an agreement. Our stance remains the same, respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and religious values,” Akande stated.
Similarly, Abdulrazaq Ajani, leader of the Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF), reported that African CSOs, including AMF, met with government officials and legislators and unanimously rejected the proposed agreement. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements, Rabiu Yusuf, confirmed that the Samoa Agreement had not been brought before the National Assembly for consideration.
Federal Government reacts to New York Times report on Nigeria's economy
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the report done by the New York Times publication, which analysed Nigeria's dire socio-economic conditions, provoked the Federal Government but impressed the citizens.
According to the report, Nigerians were experiencing the worst economic crisis in decades. Prices of food, medicine, and petrol were too high for many to afford, and the government made it difficult for businesses to operate.