Nigeria’s Samoa Agreement: Minister Defends Economic Focus Amid LGBTQ Concerns

Nigeria has officially signed the contentious Samoa Agreement, igniting a storm of controversy. The signing ceremony occurred at a European Union (EU) reception in Abuja on July 1, with Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu affirming Nigeria’s commitment to the deal.

The agreement initially reached in Samoa on November 15, 2023, has sparked debate due to its potential implications for countries heavily reliant on financial aid. However, according to a statement from Bagudu‘s media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, the documents signed by the federal government focus solely on Nigeria’s economic development.

Adebiyi emphasized that the agreement does not address LGBTQ or same-sex marriage issues, countering any suggestions that Nigeria has accepted these positions. Instead, he clarified that the agreement centres on a $150 billion trade component.

Adebiyi further explained that the articles cited in the agreement, specifically 2.5 and 29.5, are focused on gender equality and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. He highlighted that this is a negotiated agreement among 27 EU countries and 79 members of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and is subject to domestic laws.

Despite the controversy, Adebiyi revealed that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning had organized a stakeholders’ meeting in March in Abuja, where concerns were addressed by NGOs and religious bodies. As Nigeria becomes the 73rd country to sign the agreement, its impact on the nation’s economic development and stance on LGBTQ rights remains to be seen.