The disclosure about the Samoa deal has sparked a wave of online reactions, with many opposing what they believe to be a recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights, which contradicts Nigerian laws.
In 2014, Former President, Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill outlawing same-sex marriages and gay relationships, making LGBT activities unacceptable and illegal in Nigeria. Former lawmaker, Shehu Sani commented on X, stating, “African states should not accept loans or grants from any country, group of countries, or international institutions that come with conditions contrary to our culture, religious faiths, and values. All African countries, including Nigeria, who signed the Samoa agreement should withdraw their signatures.”
Abubakar Akande, an official of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), also reportedly opposed same-sex marriage and LGBT rights, arguing that the agreement contradicts the country’s moral and religious values.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) called on the Federal Government to withdraw from the controversial agreement, declaring, “This treacherous move is a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust and values, and we demand that the government immediately withdraw from this agreement.”
A Facebook user, Muhammad Yaqub, remarked, “History will record that the LGBT Samoa agreement was signed under the Muslim-Muslim administration.”
Consistent With Laws — Minister
Amidst the ongoing reactions, Bagudu’s spokesman, Bolaji Adebiyi, clarified, “The documents signed by the Federal Government were strictly for the economic development of Nigeria. Nowhere in the documents were LGBT or same-sex marriage mentioned, even remotely, and it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies. What Bagudu signed was a $150 billion trade component.”
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga also took to X on Thursday to refute the notion that the deal had elements supporting LGBT rights, which would be contrary to Nigerian laws.
Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Thursday, emphasized that Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement in the country’s best interest after extensive reviews and consultations. He stated, “It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or the laws of Nigeria and other extant Laws.
“Additionally, Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated June 26, 2024, clarifying that any provision inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.
“It is important to note that there is existing legislation against same-sex relationships in Nigeria, enacted in 2014. “Nigerians should be rest assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration, being a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens.”
A Mix-Up?
In a review of the Samoa Agreement, after it was signed last November, the European Parliament observed that the initial draft agreement contained an LGBT provision but noted that member states “were reluctant to see the foundation agreement mention sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI rights).”
However, parties reached a compromise to commit only to the implementation of existing international agreements on the matter. Consequently, LGBT rights were removed from the final agreement and replaced with “gender equality.” Specifically, Article 2, clause 5 of the final agreement stated that “the parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies.”
