The Federal Government has clarified that the Samoa Agreement signed with the European Union (EU) is aimed at boosting food security, inclusive economic development, and other vital areas, with no recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights.
The clarifications were made in a press conference by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, on Saturday.
Bagudu stated that the agreement focuses on 200 areas of cooperation, including education, food security, water and sanitation, decent work, demography, youths, culture, and sustainable development.
According to him, the agreement does not contravene Nigeria’s constitution, religious, and cultural sensibilities. He also said an implementation agreement will be signed for each area of cooperation, leading to capital and technical support.
He further explained that the agreement is for multi-sectorial development, covering various areas and that about $600m worth of projects are coming under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program.
The Minister assured that the declaration which will detail the basis of the agreement will be made available.
Bagudu said, “The agreement provides a proviso where each country, not just Nigeria, can issue a declaration clarifying some basis in which it is signed.
“We will make the declaration available, it’s a public document presented along with (the agreement), we didn’t offer it because of concerns about misrepresentation about LGBT for example.”
The Samoa Agreement was signed in November and is aimed at addressing emerging needs and global challenges like climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace, and security.
Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024. It however became known recently when Bagudu disclosed it at a meeting with EU representatives.