The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified details regarding the recently signed Samoa Agreement, addressing concerns and misunderstandings surrounding its implications, particularly on LGBTQ issues.
Background and Signing
The
Samoa Agreement, signed at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific
States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28, 2024, is a
partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) and its Member States,
and the OACPS members. Negotiations for this agreement began in 2018 during the
73rd United Nations General Assembly. The initial signing took place in Apia,
Samoa, on November 15, 2018, involving all 27 EU Member States and 47 of the 79
OACPS Member States.
Structure and Articles
The
agreement comprises 103 articles, including a common foundational compact and
three regional protocols: Africa-EU, Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU. Each
protocol addresses the specific issues relevant to its region. The African
Regional Protocol, in particular, includes frameworks for cooperation covering:
- Inclusive and
Sustainable Economic Growth and Development
- Human and
Social Development
- Environment,
Natural Resources Management, and Climate Change
- Peace and
Security
- Human Rights,
Democracy, and Governance
- Migration and
Mobility
Nigerian Government’s Stance
The
Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has assured that none of the
103 articles contravene Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution or other extant laws. This
assurance comes after extensive reviews and consultations by an 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).
Nigeria’s
endorsement of the agreement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration
dated June 26, 2024. This declaration clarifies that any provision inconsistent
with Nigerian laws shall be considered invalid within its jurisdiction.
Same-Sex Marriage Legislation
Addressing
concerns regarding same-sex marriage, the government emphasized that Nigeria
has existing legislation against same-sex relationships, enacted in 2014.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation,
reiterated that the Tinubu administration, being a rule-based government, will
not enter into any international agreement that undermines the country's
interests or its citizens.
Official Statements
Minister Mohammed Idris further stated, "The Samoa Agreement is a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the EU. It aims to promote sustainable development, combat climate change, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS Member States on the international stage."
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