The recent controversy surrounding Nigeria's stance on LGBT rights revolves around the alleged signing of the Samoa Agreement on November 15, 2023 .
The agreement is said to contain clauses that require developing countries to support LGBT rights in order to receive financial support from more advanced countries However, a member of the Nigerian government denied this, saying that the documents signed pertained only to economic development and did not mention LGBT or same-sex marriage .
What you need to know about the LGBTQ Bill and how it came about .
The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, also known as the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA), came about in the following steps
1 - ) January 18, 2007: The Nigerian cabinet approved the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, sending it to the National Assembly for urgent action, but it did not pass.
2 - ) November 29, 2011: The Senate of Nigeria passed the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill.
3 -) May 30, 2013: The bill was passed by the House of Representatives of Nigeria.
4- ) January 7, 2014: The president of Nigeria at the time, Goodluck Jonathan, signed the bill into law, which made it the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act.
International development partnerships often come with conditions and expectations related to human rights, including LGBTQ rights. Countries that refuse to sign the LGBT bill into law or don't meet certain human rights standards may face:
1. Reduced or withheld funding
2. Suspension of development aid
3. Limitations on access to international markets and trade agreements
4. Diplomatic pressure and international scrutiny
This is because many countries and international organizations, like the European Union, have made human rights and LGBTQ equality a condition for development cooperation and funding. By signing the Samoa Agreement, countries commit to upholding certain human rights standards, including those related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Failure to comply may result in consequences, including reduced funding and support.
The LGBTQ bill, in itself, does not support or advocate for secrecy in its signing or implementation. In fact, human rights principles and democratic values emphasize transparency, public participation, and accountability in the decision-making process.
However, it is possible that governments might sign international agreements or bills related to LGBTQ rights without widely publicizing it or seeking public input, due to various reasons such as:
1.) Political sensitivity
2. ) Fear of backlash or controversy
3. ) Concerns about public opinion or religious opposition
4. ) Diplomatic pressure or international obligations
This lack of transparency and public engagement can be problematic, as it may undermine democratic principles and the rights of citizens to participate in the decision-making process. It is essential to ensure that any agreements or bills related to human rights, including LGBTQ rights, are signed and implemented in a transparent and inclusive manner, with the involvement and consent of the citizens of the country.
Reasons why Nigeria government may opt in or consinder signing the LGBTQ bill into law.
Despite the current stance, the Nigerian government might consider signing the LGBTQ bill into law due to:
1. International pressure: Global human rights organizations and countries may continue to advocate for LGBTQ rights, influencing Nigeria's stance.
2. Economic benefits: Conditional development aid and funding from international partners might incentivize Nigeria to reconsider its stance.
3. Human rights obligations: Nigeria has ratified international treaties like the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which includes protections for sexual minorities.
4. Health and HIV/AIDS response: Decriminalizing same-sex relationships could improve access to healthcare and HIV treatment for LGBTQ individuals.
5. Social justice and equality: Recognizing LGBTQ rights aligns with principles of equality, justice, and non-discrimination.
6. Economic growth: Embracing diversity and inclusivity could attract foreign investment, talent, and tourism.
7. Political diplomacy: Signing the bill could enhance Nigeria's global reputation and diplomatic relationships.
8. Constitutional review: A review of the Nigerian Constitution could lead to the inclusion of LGBTQ rights as fundamental human rights.
Please note that these reasons might not necessarily lead to the Nigerian government signing the bill into law, as cultural, religious, and political factors may continue to influence their stance.
Countries that have not signed the LGBT bill into law can still sign partnership agreements together. The partnership agreements are often focused on economic development, trade, security, and other areas of cooperation, and may not necessarily be tied to human rights or LGBTQ issues.
Countries have different priorities and interests, and they can choose to cooperate on specific areas while disagreeing on others. However, some countries may choose to make human rights, including LGBTQ rights, a condition for their cooperation or aid.
In the case of Nigeria, the government claimed to have signed partnership agreements with other countries and international organizations, including the European Union, without committing to LGBTQ rights. These agreements often focus on economic development, trade, and security cooperation.
It's important to note that international cooperation and agreements can be complex and nuanced, and countries may have different priorities and interests that influence their decisions.
The Samoa Agreement And How it came about
The Samoa Agreement is a partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) and members of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) that ;
1 )- Strengthens political partnership between the EU and OACPS member states
2 )- Covers 79 countries across three continents
3 )- Has a lifespan of 20 years
4 )- Encompasses six priority areas
5 )- Aims to address global challenges, including climate change, migration and peace and security
6 )- Succeeded the Cotonou Agreement
7 )- Was officially signed on November 15, 2023, and its provisional application started on January 1, 2024
8 )- The agreement is worth $150 billion
The Samoa Agreement came about in the following steps;
1 )- September 2018: Post-Cotonou negotiations began in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, aiming to agree on a new treaty to succeed the Cotonou Agreement.
2 )- April 2021: The chief negotiators initialled the new Agreement.
3 )- July 20, 2023: The Council adopted a decision on the signature and provisional application of the Agreement.
4 )- November 15, 2023: The European Union (EU) and the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) signed the Samoa Agreement in Apia, Samoa.
5 )- January 1, 2024: The provisional application of the Agreement started.
Conclusion :
So far ,there have been several clarifications from the Nigerian government stating that it did not sign any agreement related to LGBTQ rights. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, stated that the agreement signed was the “Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Members States and members of the Organization of the Caribbean and Pacific States” and did not include any clauses related to LGBTQ rights.
Additionally, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the agreement was in the best interest of the country and did not contravene the Nigerian Constitution and other laws of the land, including the law against same-sex marriage
The government has threatened to take legal action against media outlets that have reported otherwise .
So far,We can't say and conclude that they did actually signed the LGBTQ bill into law nor can we also conclude that they didn't sign or hasn't sign the LGBTQ Bill into law . In time, everything will be made know .
