• FG Ensures Samoa Agreement Aligns with National Laws on Same-Sex Relationships
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Nigeria has signed the Samoa Agreement, a partnership deal between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), reaffirming its commitment to its existing laws against same-sex relationships. The agreement was signed on June 28, 2024, at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium.
The Samoa Agreement, initially negotiated in 2018 during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly and signed in Apia, Samoa, in November 2018, aims to foster cooperation between the EU and OACPS member states. It includes 103 articles addressing areas such as sustainable economic growth, human and social development, climate change, and human rights.
However, Nigeria’s endorsement of the agreement came with a specific declaration to ensure it aligns with national laws. The Interministerial Committee, comprising the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Federal Ministry of Justice, ensured that none of the agreement's provisions contravened the Nigerian Constitution or other existing laws.
This precaution is significant given Nigeria's legislation against same-sex relationships, enacted in 2014. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act criminalizes gay marriage and public displays of same-sex relationships, reflecting the country's conservative stance on LGBTQ rights.
In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the Tinubu administration would not enter into any international agreement that contradicts Nigerian laws or harms the country’s interests. "Our officials strictly followed the mandates exchanged in 2018 between the EU and the OACPS for the process," Idris stated.
Despite the Samoa Agreement's broader goals of promoting sustainable development and combating climate change, Nigeria's declaration ensures that any provision inconsistent with its laws, particularly regarding same-sex relationships, will be considered invalid.
The move underscores Nigeria’s ongoing resistance to international pressure on LGBTQ rights. While the Samoa Agreement addresses various cooperation areas, Nigeria’s stance highlights the tension between global human rights norms and national legislation.
The agreement's African Regional Protocol, which includes frameworks for economic growth, human rights, and governance, was reviewed extensively to ensure compatibility with Nigerian law. The Federal Government's endorsement was accompanied by a statement clarifying that any conflicting provisions would be nullified.
Critics argue that Nigeria's rigid stance on LGBTQ rights could hinder the country's progress in human rights and social development. However, supporters believe it reflects the country's adherence to its cultural and legal values.
As Nigeria joins other OACPS members in the Samoa Agreement, the government assures citizens that the country’s interests and legal frameworks will remain safeguarded. "The Samoa Agreement is a vital legal framework for cooperation, but it will not override our national laws and values," Idris concluded.
This development reinforces the delicate balance Nigeria maintains in engaging with international agreements while upholding its domestic policies, particularly concerning LGBTQ issues. The signing of the Samoa Agreement marks a significant step in international cooperation but also a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s legislative stance on same-sex relationships.
