The House of Representatives has clarified that it did not call on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement. Lawmakers stated that their resolution was to investigate controversial clauses in the agreement to ensure alignment with the Nigerian Constitution. The House emphasized the importance of consultation and stakeholder engagement regarding the agreement.
Concerns were raised about clauses allegedly supporting the LGBTQ community and potential infringements on Nigeria’s sovereignty in the agreement. House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, clarified that the agreement does not include provisions related to a $150 billion fund or LGBT rights promotion in Nigeria.
The House committed to scrutinizing the Samoa Partnership Agreement through legislative hearings and engaging relevant stakeholders to address ambiguities. Committees were mandated to report back to parliament within four weeks. The agreement, signed on November 15, 2023, aims to establish a framework for relations between the European Union and African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.
Claims of legalizing LGBTQ relationships in Nigeria in exchange for a loan were denied by government ministers. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris threatened legal action against the newspaper spreading the false information.