Nigeria: LGBT knocks at Nigeria’s door as it signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal. The agreement is actually not related to LGBT community.
The agreement has been signed among some clerics, right activists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria who are furious over the decision of the federal government to sign the controversial Samoa Agreement.
Reportedly, the signed agreement consists of some clauses that compel the underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as condition for getting financial and other supports from advanced societies.
The agreement is named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was originally signed on November 15, 2023, the agreement is gradually gaining the traction, despite having oppositions from many countries that cherish Islamic and Christianity values, in addition to the sensitivity of their cultures.
Much information about the ratification of the deal by Nigeria came to public knowledge on Monday, July 01, 2024, when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning – Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu confirmed the development at a reception that was organised by the European Union (EU) in Abuja.
Bagudu’s media assistant – Bolaji Adebiyi said upon signing the documents by the federal government that the Minister of Budget made reference, during the reception by the EU, which was strictly for economic development of Nigeria.
He said nowhere in the documents, there were LGBT or same sex marriage mentioned even remotely, and emphatically stating that it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted the tendencies.
Adebiyi insisted that what Bagudu signed was in relation to $150 billion trade component. While signing the contract, the officials were aware of recent controversies surrounding the Samoa Agreement. Spokesman of Attorney General of the Federation – Kamarudeen Ogundele and Minister of Justice – Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN, stated that they had to make some findings.
Samoa Agreement
The Samoa Agreement is the overarching framework for EU relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The new partnership agreement will serve as the new legal framework for EU relations with 79 countries.
The countries include, 48 from Africa, 16 from Caribbean and 15 from Pacific countries. Approximately, 2 billion people are covered by this agreement.
The agreement aims to strengthen the capacity of the EU and the ACP countries to address global challenges together.
