The federal government of Nigeria has vowed to invalidate any same-sex provisions in the 150 billion Euros SAMOA Agreement signed by the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, including Nigeria.
This move follows public criticism over the agreement’s perceived stance on human rights and gender equality.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation clarified on Thursday that the SAMOA Agreement, signed on November 15, 2023, prioritizes human rights, democracy, and good governance. It replaces the Cotonou Agreement, promoting economic cooperation and development.
Media Assistant to the Minister of Budget, Bolaji Adebiyi, emphasized that the agreement focuses solely on economic development, with no mention of same-sex provisions. The EU plans to invest at least150 billion Euros in Africa by 2027 under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, including projects like the Rosso Bridge between Mauritania and Senegal.
Nigeria’s government assured that any part of the agreement conflicting with Nigerian law, which criminalizes same-sex relationships, will be invalidated. The SAMOA Agreement, containing 103 articles, was thoroughly reviewed to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s laws before it was signed on June 28, 2024.
Minister Idris stated that the agreement promotes sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and investment opportunities, aligning with Nigeria’s interests without compromising its legal stance on same-sex relationships.
