Nigerian Bar Association Clarifies Stance on Samoa Agreement Amidst Controversy
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has addressed the controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement, clarifying that Nigeria does not recognise same-sex marriage. This follows recent widespread concerns suggesting that the agreement might compel Nigeria to accept LGBTQ rights.
In a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Maikyau on Monday, July 8, he emphasized that there is no provision in the agreement requiring Nigeria to accept LGBTQ or gay rights as a precondition for a $150 billion loan.
Respect for Sovereignty and Local Laws
“The agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting nations,” Maikyau stated. “The SAMOA agreement recognizes, for instance, Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023, and of course, the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
He assured that if the agreement had mandated Nigeria to endorse LGBTQ rights, the NBA would have advised the Federal Government against entering any partnership that could undermine national sovereignty. “To avoid any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislations nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.”
Review by the Nigerian Bar Association
Before signing the SAMOA agreement, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning requested the NBA to review the agreement. Consequently, Maikyau constituted a committee chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, and Chairman of the NBA Law Reform Committee, to vet, evaluate, and advise on the agreement.
Scope of the SAMOA Agreement
The SAMOA Agreement, named after Samoa where it was signed, is a broad legal framework between European Union member states and over half of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). It serves as a basis for negotiating specific agreements between the EU, the Federal Government of Nigeria, its sub-nationals, and the private sector.
According to Channels TV, the agreement covers six main areas:
- Democracy and human rights
- Sustainable economic growth and development
- Climate change
- Human and social development
- Peace and security
- Migration and mobility
Call for Public Enlightenment
Maikyau called on the government to continue public enlightenment efforts and urged other stakeholders to join in countering the negative perception being promoted about the agreement.
The NBA’s clarification aims to dispel fears and misinformation regarding the SAMOA agreement, reassuring Nigerians that their sovereignty and existing laws remain protected.