The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dismissed reports that the Federal Government signed a $150 billion loan deal requiring the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) rights.
In a statement, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau clarified that the agreement does not compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty or existing laws, including the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023. Maikyau emphasized that the NBA would have advised against the agreement if it had contravened any Nigerian laws.
“I wish to state that there is no provision in the SAMOA agreement which requires Nigeria to accept or in any way recognize LGBTQ or gay rights, either as a pre-condition for a loan of $150 billion USD or at all,” Maikyau stated. “The agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting nations, recognizing Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023, and the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
Maikyau urged the government to continue public enlightenment on the agreement and called on stakeholders to educate the public on its true content.
He cautioned against negative narratives propagated along sensitive lines of faith, culture, and morality, stressing the need for proper education.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislation nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria,” Maikyau reiterated. “The public must, at all times, query newspaper and social media posts, verifying facts to determine the veracity of information.”
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He added, “The NBA remains committed to ensuring that the actions of the Government are people focused. We will continue to engage with the Government, advise, provide direction, advance the cause of the Nation, and hold the Government to account on behalf of the people of this country.”
Maikyau concluded by quoting German historian August Ludwig von Schlözer: “Foolish is the man who never reads a newspaper; even more foolish is the man who believes what he reads just because it is in the newspaper.” He noted that in today’s context, this reference extends to social media platforms, urging caution and critical thinking among the public.
