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| House of reps representing |
The House of Representatives has demanded that the Federal Government halt the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all contentious provisions are fully addressed and made clear, in response to a motion of urgent national importance that was supported by 88 members.
Representative Aliyu Madaki, who made the motion during today's plenary, warned his colleague about a specific "gender equality" clause, characterising it as a dangerous "Trojan horse" that would go against the fundamental principles of the nation.
He claimed that the clause has caused a great deal of alarm since some have read it to suggest that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights may be recognised. This would be in opposition to Nigeria's stringent laws against same-sex marriage that were passed in 2014 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In order to make sure the agreement's contentious clauses respect Nigeria's constitutional, religious, and cultural norms, the House charged its pertinent committees with looking into them.
Among other important goals, the Samoa Agreement between Nigeria and the European Union intends to promote inclusive economic development and improve food security.
But because of its provisions, there has been a backlash on the internet, with the main attention being on the inclusion of LGBT rights.
Atiku Bagudu, the minister of budget and economic planning, and Mohammed Idris, the minister of information, reassured the public at a press conference on Saturday that Nigeria would not sign any agreements that go against the country's constitution or the values of its diverse population's cultures and religions.
In order to better prepare the parties to handle global issues like climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace, and security, the European Union, its 27 member states, and the 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) signed the Samoa Agreement last November.
Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024, but it wasn't until recently made public by Minister Bagudu that it became known.