Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, announced on Saturday that the country has signed the Samoa Agreement with the European Union (EU). The deal aims to boost food security, foster inclusive economic development, and cover nearly 200 areas of cooperation. But no, it does not recognize LGBT rights in Nigeria.
Why It Matters
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Bagudu clarified that none of the agreement’s articles indicate recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights. Despite this clear denial, the Samoa Agreement has ignited a storm of online reactions. Many critics wrongly assumed that the deal signaled a shift in Nigeria’s stance on LGBT issues, currently outlawed under a 2014 law enacted by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Bagudu, accompanied by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reassured the public that Nigeria would not enter into any agreement that contradicts the nation’s constitution or disregards its religious and cultural values.
The Samoa Agreement outlines around 200 cooperation areas, promising capital and technical support. Bagudu emphasized the agreement’s focus on multi-sectorial development, touching on vital sectors such as education, food security, water and sanitation, decent work, youth and cultural development, sustainable development, private sector growth, human rights, democracy, rule of law, good governance, public administration, personal data protection, and peace and security.
What They Are saying
“When you get a copy of the agreement, you will see that this is a broad agreement,” Bagudu stated. “It is about education, it is about food security, it is about water and sanitation, it is about decent work, it is about demography, it is about youths, it is about culture and sustainable development, it is about inclusive economic development, it is about private sector development, it is about human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, it is about good governance, public administration, personal data, peace and security.”
Each article addresses a distinct area of cooperation, emphasizing Nigeria’s belief in the potential benefits of this collaboration. Bagudu highlighted that the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program alone is expected to attract about $600 million worth of projects.
In response to questions about the Federal Government’s motivation for signing the Samoa Agreement, Bagudu explained that the deal is designed to support Nigeria’s multi-sectorial development goals. Contrary to some reports, he clarified that there is no mention of $150 billion in the agreement. Instead, the deal outlines frameworks for collaboration and project implementation.
“The agreement provides a proviso where each country, not just Nigeria, can issue a declaration clarifying some basis on which it is signed,” Bagudu added, underscoring the customizable nature of the agreement to suit each country’s specific needs.
Bottom Line
So, while the Samoa Agreement is set to bring significant developmental benefits to Nigeria, the government remains firm on its stance against recognizing LGBT rights, ensuring that the deal aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional and cultural principles.
