The Nigerian Federal Government swiftly rejects baseless allegations made, stating that the Samoa partnership agreement, signed on June 28, endorses the rights of LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the government denies the report’s claim that Nigeria would receive 150 billion dollars as part of the agreement.
During a press conference in Abuja, Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, along with his counterpart Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, clarified the matter. The conference aimed to address the misleading report and provide accurate information to the public.
The Samoa agreement, signed at the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, is a partnership between the European Union, its member-states, and OACPS members. The negotiations for this agreement started in 2018, and it was signed on November 15, 2018, by all 27 EU member-states and 47 of the 79 OACPS states.
The agreement focuses on cooperation in various areas, including sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and the promotion of human rights. At no point in the agreement is there any mention of LGBTQ rights or activities, nor does it include a provision for Nigeria to endorse such rights.
Minister Bagudu emphasized that the report’s claim of Nigeria receiving 150 billion dollars is entirely baseless. The agreement does not contain any such provision regarding financial benefits of this magnitude.
President Bola Tinubu, a proud Nigerian, would never sign any document that undermines the country’s laws and constitution. The Nigerian government has remained committed to upholding its laws, including the prohibition of same-sex marriage since 2014.
The Samoa partnership agreement primarily focuses on fostering trade agreements, promoting human rights, and protecting the environment. Nigeria signed the agreement after thorough reviews and consultations conducted by an interministerial committee, in collaboration with the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Foreign Affairs, and Justice.
It is important to reassure Nigerians that the Tinubu administration, as a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement that is detrimental to the country’s interests and its citizens. Nigeria has entered into various agreements in the past, resulting in beneficial outcomes in areas such as water, sanitation, education, and agriculture.
The Federal Government firmly denies the allegations made in the newspaper report, reaffirming its commitment to protecting its laws, constitution, and the well-being of its citizens. The government urges the public not to be swayed by misinformation and to rely on accurate sources of information.
