A $150 billion trade deal between Nigeria and the European Union has stirred up controversy.
The deal, known as the Samoa Agreement, was signed last November by the EU, its 27 member states, and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
Named after the capital of Samoa, where it was signed, the agreement aims to tackle global challenges like climate change, health, and security.
Nigeria signed the deal on June 28, 2024, but it became widely known this week after Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, revealed it.
The revelation caused a storm of reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the deal. They believed it supported LGBT rights, which are against Nigerian laws.
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Beyond Boders recalls that in 2014, Nigeria banned same-sex marriages and relationships under then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani, in a post on social media platform X, urged African states to reject any loans or grants with conditions that oppose their cultural and religious values.
He called for Nigeria and other African countries to withdraw from the Samoa Agreement.
Abubakar Akande from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also opposed the agreement, saying it goes against Nigeria’s moral and religious values.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) demanded the government withdraw from what they called a “betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust and values.”
Muhammad Yaqub, a Facebook user, noted that the deal was signed under a Muslim-Muslim administration, adding to the controversy.
Amid the backlash, Bagudu’s spokesman, Bolaji Adebiyi, clarified that the agreement focused solely on Nigeria’s economic development and did not mention LGBT rights.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga and Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, both stated that the deal had no elements supporting LGBT rights and was in Nigeria’s best interest after careful review.
Idris emphasized that the Samoa Agreement does not conflict with Nigeria’s laws, including the 1999 Constitution, and assured Nigerians that the government will not enter into any harmful international agreements.
See post below:
Samoa Agreement Signed in the Interest of Nigeria – FG
On 28 June 2024, Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. The partnership agreement is between the EU and its Member… pic.twitter.com/eHDASgcFPj
— Fed Min of Info & Nat’l Orien (@FMINONigeria) July 4, 2024
