The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all controversial clauses are addressed and clarified.
This decision follows a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by 88 members on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. During the motion, House member Aliyu Madaki highlighted concerns over a clause on “gender equality,” describing it as a potential Trojan horse that could violate the country’s morals.
Controversy surrounds the Samoa Agreement, signed between the Federal Government and the European Union, with critics alleging it includes the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, assured the public that Nigeria would not enter into any agreement that contradicts the constitution or the religious and cultural values of its people.
Bagudu explained that the agreement aims to boost food security and inclusive economic development, among other critical areas. Last November, the European Union, its 27 member states, and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) signed the agreement in Apia, the capital of Samoa, thus naming it the ‘Samoa Agreement.’
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The new agreement, succeeding the Cotonou Agreement, aims to better address emerging global challenges, including climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace, and security.
Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024, with public awareness following a recent disclosure by Bagudu.
A review of the Samoa Agreement by the European Parliament noted that while the initial draft included provisions on LGBT rights, member states were reluctant to explicitly mention sexual orientation and gender identity.
Consequently, the final agreement focused on “gender equality,” with Article 2, clause 5 stating that “the parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies.”
Given these concerns, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to pause the agreement’s implementation until further clarification and resolution of these contentious issues.
