Full gist: All you need to know about the controversial Samoa agreement

2 months ago 32

The signing of the Samoa Agreement by President Bola Ahmed-led federal government has generated many heated arguments
Many Nigerians have expressed concern about the country being forced to legalise LGBTQ and same-sex relationships
This article focuses on the ten most important things to know about the Samoa Agreement which Nigeria is part of

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro and government policy

The Samoa Agreement has become one of the most talked about national issues in the country after Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, confirmed the signing of the deal.

The controversy surrounding the agreement was the alleged claim that it contained LGBTQ clauses.

10 things to know about the Samoa Agreement

The federal government has, however, denied that such a claim existed in the agreement.

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This article listed the ten important things to know about the Samoa Agreement as reported by The Punch.

10 things to know about Samoa Agreement

1. The Samoa Agreement is a vital legal framework for cooperation between the European Union and its member states, on the one hand, and members of OACPS on the other.

2. It’s called the ‘Samoa Agreement’ because its signing took place on the Island of Samoa iduring the 46th session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers.

3. Nigeria and other members of the OACPS signed the agreement based on six key priorities to tackle the main challenges in the member countries over the next two decades.

4. As reported by @PressACP, the Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the EU, Obinna Onowu, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels on June 28, 2024.

5. Human rights, democracy and governance; peace and security; human and social development; inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development; environmental sustainability and climate change; and mobility/migration are priorities of the agreement

6. An important principle of the agreement is that ‘’the Parties shall make decisions and undertake actions at the most appropriate domestic, regional or multi-country level’’.

7. No Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) clause in the agreement.

8. The EU and all its member states signed the agreement on November 15, 2023. Out of the 79 members of the OACPS, 74, including Nigeria, signed before the deadline of June 30, 2024.

9. The Samoa Agreement is a veritable instrument for Nigeria’s development cooperation with the EU beyond aid. The OACPS–EU Partnership is one of the most diverse and multifaceted development pacts in the international system.

10. The agreement is to be ratified after due consideration and approval by the Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council, and the National Assembly.