The Nigerian government has issued a statement clarifying its stance on the recently signed Samoa Agreement.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the agreement is a crucial legal framework aimed at fostering cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU) to promote sustainable development, combat climate change, generate investment opportunities, and enhance collaboration among OACPS member states on the international stage.
Idris assured that Nigeria’s existing legislation against same-sex relationships remains unaffected by the Samoa Agreement. He stated, “Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu launches PECC to address the economic challenges
On 28 June 2024, Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. This partnership agreement involves the EU and its member states on one side and the OACPS members on the other. Negotiations began in 2018 during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, and the agreement was initially signed in Apia, Samoa on 15 November 2018 by all 27 EU member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS member states.
The agreement comprises 103 articles, including a common foundational compact and three regional protocols: Africa-EU, Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU. Each protocol addresses specific regional issues.
The African Regional Protocol, in particular, is divided into two parts: the Framework for Cooperation and Areas of Cooperation. The latter includes provisions on inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development, human and social development, environmental management and climate change, peace and security, human rights, democracy and governance, and migration and mobility.
Before signing the agreement, an Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), conducted extensive reviews and consultations. The committee ensured that none of the 103 articles and provisions of the agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or any other extant laws of Nigeria.
The government’s statement reaffirms that the Samoa Agreement aligns with Nigeria’s legal framework and that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of the country and its citizens. The Samoa Agreement, according to the statement, is a vital legal framework for international cooperation to promote sustainable development, fight climate change, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS member states.
