The Federal government of Nigeria, under the approval of President Bola Tinubu, has signed a $150 billion Samoa Agreement, which allegedly entails the condition to recognise and support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community despite the Anti-Gay Laws in Nigeria.
This was disclosed on Monday, July 1st, 2024, by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who confirmed the development at a reception organised by the European Union (EU) in Abuja.
According to Daily Trust, the Samoa agreement reportedly has some LGBTQ clauses as a condition for getting financial support from the European Union (EU), its 27 member states, and the 79 member states of the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
However, following media reports, Bagudu’s media aide, Bolaji Adebiyi, said the documents signed by the federal government were a $150 billion trade deal to bring economic development to Nigeria.
Contrary to Adebiyi’s stance, the World Council for Health (WCH), International and Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH) said President Tinubu needs to publicise the government official who signed the deal.
The media coordinator of the agency, Omoye Olaye, said that whoever signed the agreement needs to apologise to Nigerians.
Our stand is very clear. Whoever signed on behalf of Nigerians needs to apologise to Nigerians. But we need more than an apology. We need Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to rescind that signature,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria operates an Anti-Gay law which prohibits same-sex marriage or intercourse or any attempt to disrupt the African values Nigeria is known for.
The law contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex and membership of gay rights groups.
Also, a former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has expressed displeasure about some conditions attached to foreign loans and grants the Nigerian government indulges in.
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