Nigerian Government Speaks On Signing Deal To Promote LGBT

The Nigerian government has clarified that it did not sign an LGBT agreement code-named the ‘Samao Deal.’

According to media reports, the agreement allegedly contains clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition as a condition for receiving financial and other support from advanced societies.

The controversial agreement, named after the Pacific Island Samoa where it was purportedly signed on November 15, 2023, has sparked furious responses from Nigerians.

Many opponents argue that it will erode the Christian and Islamic values the country is known for, while others claim it will derail Nigeria’s cherished cultural values.

Though the signing of the agreement was shrouded in secrecy, the matter came to public knowledge on Monday when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, confirmed the development at a reception organized by the European Union (EU) in Abuja.

In response to the ensuing uproar, the Minister’s media aide, Bolaji Adebiyi, told journalists on Wednesday that the documents signed by the federal government were strictly for the economic development of Nigeria.

Adebiyi added that nowhere in the documents were LGBT or same-sex marriage mentioned even remotely.

He emphasized that it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies, insisting that what Bagudu signed was only related to a $150 billion trade component.

The so-called deal has sparked outrage on social media, with many wondering why the Tinubu government was allegedly moving to sign such a controversial deal when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed a law criminalizing LGBTQ activities in 2014.

Reacting to the outburst, Bolaji Adebiyi reiterated, “The documents signed by the federal government were strictly for the economic development of Nigeria. Nowhere in the documents were LGBT or same-sex marriage mentioned even remotely, and it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies. What Bagudu signed was in relation to a $150 billion trade component.”