Nigeria’s federal government has sparked outrage among clerics, rights activists, and civil society organizations (CSOs) by signing the Samoa Agreement, which allegedly includes clauses compelling underdeveloped and developing nations to support LGBT rights as a condition for receiving financial aid.
Named after the Pacific Island where it was signed on November 15, 2023, the Samoa Agreement is controversial, particularly among nations with strong Islamic and Christian values. Nigeria’s ratification of the agreement came to light on July 1, 2024, when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, confirmed it at a European Union reception in Abuja.
Bagudu’s media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, clarified that the signed documents focused solely on economic development and did not mention LGBT or same-sex marriage.
“It would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies,” Adebiyi emphasized.
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However, concerns remain. Sonnie Ekwowusi, a lawyer and chairman of the Human and Constitutional Rights Committee at the African Bar Association (AfBA), raised alarms in an article, calling the agreement a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and values.
“The Samoa Agreement is a celebration of perversity,” Ekwowusi wrote, urging Nigeria to withdraw from the deal immediately.
The agreement has faced widespread criticism from religious and civil groups. Abubakar Akande of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) reiterated the council’s rejection of same-sex marriage, stressing their stance remains unchanged since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“We cannot agree to what is against the injunction of our Creator, Allah, on this matter, and which also disrespects Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Akande stated.
The Ameer of the Abuja Muslim Forum, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ajani, revealed that “African CSOs, including his forum, met with top government officials and members of the National Assembly to reject the agreement.”
Rep. Rabiu Yusuf, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements, confirmed “that the Samoa Agreement had not been brought before the National Assembly for consideration.”
Criticism also came from the international community. Richard Kakeeto, a Kenyan lawyer with Family Watch International, expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s decision, highlighting the potential implications for sexual and reproductive health policies.
“Nigerians should challenge their legislators and policy makers to explain why they chose to commit to this dangerous agreement,” Kakeeto said.
Omoye Olaye of the World Council for Health and Foundation for African Cultural Heritage demanded the government rescind the agreement.
“We need Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to rescind that signature. All he needs to do is to apologize on Nigeria’s behalf and withdraw from the ACP EU Treaty,” Olaye insisted.
Despite these controversies, Adebiyi maintained that “the articles cited in the Samoa Agreement did not explicitly support LGBT rights. He clarified that the agreement promotes universal access to reproductive health services and gender equality, in line with domestic laws of the signatory countries.”