NBA Clarifies: Samoa Agreement Respects Nigeria's Sovereignty, No Imposition of LGBTQ Rights for $150 Billion Loan
In response to the controversy surrounding the Samoa agreement, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that Nigeria does not recognize same-sex marriage and that the agreement does not impose LGBTQ rights as a prerequisite for accepting a $150 billion loan.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau emphasized in a statement that the agreement respects Nigeria's local laws and sovereignty, including the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2023 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
"The agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting nations," Maikyau stated. "It recognizes 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)."
Maikyau added that if the agreement had mandated acceptance of LGBTQ rights, the NBA would have advised against such terms to protect Nigeria's sovereignty. He reiterated that the Samoa agreement does not compromise existing legislation or undermine Nigeria's sovereignty.
The Samoa agreement, named after the location where it was signed, establishes a legal framework between European Union (EU) member states and over half of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) members. It covers areas such as democracy, human rights, economic growth, climate change, social development, peace, security, and migration.
Prior to signing the agreement, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning sought the NBA's review, leading to the formation of a committee chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda (SAN) to evaluate and advise on the agreement.
The NBA called for continued public enlightenment to counteract negative perceptions surrounding the agreement and urged the government and stakeholders to join in these efforts.
