The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that there is no provision in the SAMOA agreement requiring Nigeria to accept or recognize LGBTQ or gay rights as a pre-condition for obtaining a $150 billion loan, or at any point in the agreement.
In a statement signed by the NBA President, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Yakubu Maikyau, the Association emphasized that the SAMOA agreement is explicitly subject to local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting nations. This means that the agreement respects Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023, and upholds the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“That is to say, the SAMOA agreement recognises, for instance, Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and of course, the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the statement read.
The NBA reassured the public that if the agreement had any clause that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, it would have advised the Federal Government against entering into such a partnership.
The Association also called on the government to continue its public enlightenment efforts and encouraged other stakeholders to join in countering the negative perceptions being promoted about the agreement.
Additionally, the NBA urged the public to critically evaluate news and social media posts to verify the accuracy of the information they contain.
By emphasizing the need for accurate information and continued public education, the NBA aims to dispel any misconceptions about the SAMOA agreement and its implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and legal stance on LGBTQ rights.