The House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 urged the executive arm of the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the SAMOA Agreement pending when all the controversial clauses are addressed.

This followed a resolution predicated on a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Hon Aliyu Madaki, and 87 others at plenary.

In the motion, Madaki drew the attention of the Federal Government to the clause which highlighted “gender equality” and described it as a Trojan horse which could violate the morals of the country.

Accordingly, the House mandated its relevant committees to investigate the controversial provisions of the agreement.

The SAMOA Agreement is the legal framework for the European Union’s relations with 79 countries that include 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific countries.

The Federal Government of Nigeria signed the Samoa agreement on June 28, 2024, but became public knowledge last weekend following its disclosure by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu Bagudu.

Controversy dogged the agreement signed by the federal government with the European Union as many Nigerians particularly clerics frowning at what they described as the acceptance, approval and recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights by the Federal Government.

The Samoa Agreement sparked reactions in the social media as many Nigerians opposed the LGBT rights, which is contrary to the anti-same-sex marriages and gay relationships law assented to in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

But, at a press conference last Saturday, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu and that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria won’t enter into an agreement that was antithetical to the constitution as well as the religious and cultural sensibilities of Nigerians.

Bagudu particularly said that Nigeria signed the agreement to boost food security, and inclusive economic development, amongs.

In November 2023, the European Union, its 27 member states, and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) signed the agreement in Apia, the capital of the Pacific island country of Samoa.

With the Samoa Agreement which succeeded the Cotonou Agreement, the parties are expected to be better equipped to address emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace and security.