Catholic bishops: FG must propose amendments to Samoa agreement or withdraw

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) says the federal government should propose amendments to the Samoa agreement or withdraw from the pact.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Lucius Ugorji, CBCN president, said the bishops are concerned about the agreement’s potential threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and values, “particularly regarding the language used around sexual orientation, gender identity, and reproductive health rights”.

“We call on our government to urgently propose amendments or withdraw from the agreement,” the statement reads.

“Notably, article 2.5 of the Samoa agreement promotes gender equality across all policies, while Articles 40.1 and 40.2 of the African Regional Protocol commit Nigeria to gender-responsive education.

“Articles 79.1 and 88.4 mandate joint actions and coordinated positions with the EU, potentially weakening Nigeria’s leadership in defending African values.”

The CBCN president said the federal government should insist on a clause in the agreement that would ensure no obligation regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, comprehensive sexuality education, abortion, contraception, legalisation of prostitution, same-sex marriage, or sexual rights for children.

“If the EU rejects the proposed amendment, Nigeria should withdraw from the Samoa agreement,” he said.

The agreement serves as a new legal framework for European Union (EU) relations with 79 countries, including African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.

The pact covers six priority areas, which are democracy and human rights; sustainable economic growth and development; climate change; human and social development; peace and security; and migration and mobility.