The Nigerian parliament on Tuesday called for an investigation into the Samoa Agreement, a pact federal authorities signed with the European Union. This decision followed a media report alleging that some clauses of the agreement could promote same-sex relationships.
In response, Nigerian authorities have denied these claims and vowed to take action against news organizations spreading such reports.
Lawmakers expressed concern that authorities did not consult them before signing the agreement. A majority voted to investigate the agreement, which is named after the Pacific Island nation of Samoa, where it was first reached in November.
Critics, including House of Representatives member Aliyu Madaki, argued that the Samoa Agreement needs to be clearer regarding clauses that promote gender rights. Madaki stated, “The phrase ‘gender equality’ is a Trojan horse for deceptively bringing in all sorts of immorality to our country, as gender no longer means sexes male and female as traditionally understood. It now includes homosexuality, lesbianism, transgenderism and animalism.”
Nigerian authorities signed the Samoa Agreement among the EU and 79 other countries, including African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, on June 28. Authorities claim that the agreement aims to strengthen partnerships for democratic norms and human rights, as well as promote economic growth and development. Additionally, it is designed to help member nations tackle common challenges such as climate change, migration, and security.
Officials stated that Nigeria signed the agreement after extensive reviews and consultations. However, the pact became a topic of national discussion following a report by a Nigerian newspaper, Daily Trust, which claimed that the deal’s clause on gender rights could be misinterpreted to promote same-sex relationships.
This week, Nigerian authorities held a media briefing in Abuja to debunk such claims and announced plans to sue the newspaper. They also refuted claims that Nigeria would receive $150 billion from signing the deal. Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi told reporters, “We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organizations and individuals that border on national security and stability. We find that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed on behalf of the federal government. It is, however, disheartening that some elements are abusing this free [media] environment guaranteed by the government.”
Nigeria outlawed same-sex relations in 2014 and imposed a 14-year jail term for offenders.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Bar Association supported the government’s position after reviewing the agreement. However, Sonnie Ekwokusi, chairperson of the Human Rights Committee at the African Bar Association, told Lagos-based Channels Television that Madaki has a valid point. “This Samoa agreement is littered with the phrases of the EU and United Nations,” Ekwokusi said. “I know the language of the EU. I know what they’re talking about.”
Daily Trust has maintained that its reporting was in the interest of the public and stated that it will apologize only when it is proven that the “gender rights” cited in the agreement means traditional male-female relationships and nothing more.
The debate over the Samoa Agreement highlights the complexities of international treaties and the need for clear communication between governments and their citizens. It also underscores the importance of media responsibility and the potential consequences of misreporting sensitive issues. As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will address these concerns and ensure that the agreement aligns with the country’s cultural and legal standards.
