House of Reps Urges Federal Government to Suspend Samoa Agreement

The House of Representatives has passed a motion calling for the suspension of the Samoa Agreement until the controversial clauses can be clearly defined.

The motion was passed after Representative Aliyu Madaki highlighted a clause in the agreement that focuses on “gender equality,” which he believes could be used to violate the moral fabric of the country. The House of Representatives has mandated its relevant committees to investigate the agreement.

The Samoa Agreement was signed by the Federal Government with the European Union to enhance food security, inclusive economic development, and other critical areas. However, the agreement received backlash due to the alleged inclusion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights and violation of the Nigerian sovereignty and the morals of the country. The Federal Government has denied the allegations stating that Nigeria has “existing legislation against same-sex relationships.”