As controversy continues to trail Nigeria’s decision to sign the Samoa Agreement, a partnership accord between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the Federal Government has vowed to protect Nigeria’s national interest. The Explainer learnt that the signing, which took place on June 28, 2024, at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s international cooperation efforts.
In what appears like a move to address concerns over the agreement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, released a statement detailing the agreement’s background and Nigeria’s approach to its ratification. According to Idris, the Samoa Agreement, which began negotiations in 2018, encompasses 103 articles and includes regional protocols tailored to address specific issues in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
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Idris said, “The African Regional Protocol consists of two parts. The first is the Framework for Cooperation, while the second deals with Areas of Cooperation.”.
He highlighted that these areas cover a broad spectrum of development issues, including economic growth, human rights, climate change, and migration.
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s decision to sign the agreement came after thorough scrutiny.
“This was done after extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ),” he stated.
Addressing potential concerns about the agreement’s compatibility with Nigerian laws, Idris assured the public that careful measures were taken.
“It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or the laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws,” he said.
Furthermore, the government took an additional step to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and legal framework.
Idris revealed, “Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.”
This declaration is particularly significant in light of Nigeria’s existing legislation against same-sex relationships, enacted in 2014. The government’s statement appears to pre-emptively address any potential conflicts between the agreement and domestic laws.
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Idris sought to reassure the Nigerian public about the government’s commitment to protecting national interests.
“It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens,” he affirmed.
The Minister described the Samoa Agreement as “a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union.” He outlined its objectives, which include promoting sustainable development, combating climate change, generating investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration among OACPS Member States on the international stage.
