The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that the Samoa agreement signed by Nigeria does not require the country to accept LGBTQ or same-sex marriage rights.

In a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Maikyau on Monday, July 8, he emphasized that the agreement was expressly made subject to Nigeria's local laws and national sovereignty.

"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 asserted that if the agreement had mandated Nigeria to endorse LGBTQ rights, the association would have advised the Federal Government against entering any partnership that could undermine national sovereignty.

"To avoid any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislations nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria," the statement continued.

Prior to the signing of the agreement, the NBA was consulted by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning to review and advise on the terms of the Samoa agreement. A committee chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State, was formed to vet and evaluate the agreement.

The Samoa Agreement is a broad legal framework between the European Union member states and over half of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). It serves as a basis for negotiating specific agreements between the EU, the Federal Government of Nigeria, its sub-nationals, and the private sector.

The agreement covers six main areas: democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, human and social development, peace and security, and migration and mobility.