The Nigerian Government has announced that its agreement with the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) will bring substantial benefits to the country. The agreement was signed at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium on June 28, 2024.
During a press conference on Saturday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, addressed concerns that the agreement might promote LGBTQ rights. They assured that the agreement focuses on political partnership for mutual benefit among member states.
A document shared with journalists revealed that the agreement aims to foster a strengthened political partnership, generating mutually beneficial outcomes based on shared values. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Key objectives outlined in the agreement include:
- Promotion of Human Rights and Good Governance: Emphasizing democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance, with particular attention to gender equality.
- Building Resilient Societies: Addressing ongoing and emerging threats to peace and security.
- Human and Social Development: Eradicating poverty and addressing inequalities to ensure a dignified life for all, with special focus on women and girls.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: Mobilizing investment, supporting trade, and fostering private-sector development for sustainable and inclusive growth.
- Environmental Sustainability: Combating climate change, protecting the environment, and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.
- Migration Management: Implementing a comprehensive approach to migration that benefits all parties, addresses irregular migration, and respects international law.
The agreement’s focus areas include human rights, democracy, governance, peace and security, human and social development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate change, and migration and mobility.
Minister Idris and Minister Bagudu emphasized that the agreement would help Nigeria achieve these goals and contribute to the nation’s overall development.
