The federal government’s decision to sign the contentious Samoa Agreement has sparked widespread outrage among religious leaders, rights activists, and civil society organizations in Nigeria. The agreement, which reportedly compels developing nations to support LGBT rights, has faced fierce resistance from prominent clerics and Islamic organizations.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) reiterated its opposition to same-sex marriage and LGBT rights, stating that the agreement contradicts the country’s moral and religious values. Abubakar Akande, Administrative Secretary of the council, clarified that while they attended the meeting in March, it was not to ratify or oppose the draft document. “The 403-page document containing 104 articles was given to the Legal Director of the NSCIA, and there was no mention of same-sex marriage in the draft. We (NSCIA) would not welcome such an agreement. Our stance remains the same since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. We cannot agree with what is against the injunction of our Creator, Allah, on this matter, and which also disrespects Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Akande said.
The Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF) also condemned the government’s move, revealing that African civil society organizations had rejected the agreement in meetings with government officials and lawmakers. The forum’s leader, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ajani, expressed concerns that the agreement would have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s social and cultural fabric.
Civil society organizations and rights activists have joined religious leaders in opposing the Samoa Agreement, arguing that it undermines Nigeria’s cultural and religious values. The controversy highlights the deep-seated resistance to LGBT rights in Nigeria and the complexities of balancing international agreements with national values and sovereignty.
