Samoa Agreement: Documents signed by the FG strictly for Economic Development Not to ‘promotes’ LGBTQ rights – Ministry

The Federal Government has signed the controversial Samoa Agreement, a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters, including civil society organizations and religious groups. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, confirmed the signing of the agreement at a reception organized by the European Union in Abuja on July 1.

The Samoa Agreement, named after the Pacific Island Samoa where it was signed on November 15, 2023, has been touted as a means of promoting economic development in developing countries. However, opponents of the deal claim that it has some clauses that “compel” underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community.

According to the Minister’s media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, the documents signed by the federal government were strictly for economic development and did not mention LGBTQ or same-sex marriage even remotely. He insisted that what Bagudu signed was in relation to a $150 billion trade component.

However, this has not assuaged the concerns of various groups who have rejected and condemned the move in its entirety. Some Islamic clerics have stated that the council would not welcome such an agreement, as it goes against the injunction of their Creator, Allah, and disrespects Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Others have called for the National Assembly to invite the Nigerian officials who signed the agreement to explain why they did so. The signing of the Samoa Agreement has been described as a celebration of perversity and a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and democracy.

The controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement has sparked a heated debate in the country, with many calling for the government to rescind its decision. The Nigerian Police Force has also vowed to take necessary action against LGBTQ people seen in the viral video of the ‘Of Course’ challenge, stating that the LGBTQ activities and practices are unnatural offenses and are totally condemned in Nigeria.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns of its citizens. One thing is certain, however – the Samoa Agreement has opened up a Pandora’s box, and the government must find a way to address the concerns of all parties involved.