The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced strong opposition to the recent Samoa Agreement, labeling it “a threat to the sovereignty and values of Nigeria.” This sentiment was expressed in a 25-point communiqué issued following their recent meeting, signed by the President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and the Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun.
“The agreement looks innocent and attractive on the surface, but underneath it is carefully blended with post-modern secularistic ideologies that significantly undermine the moral, cultural, and religious beliefs of Nigerian citizens,” the bishops stated.
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The CBCN raised concerns about the implications of the agreement’s language, warning that it could compromise Nigeria’s national sovereignty and core values. They urged the Nigerian government to reconsider its position on the Samoa Agreement.
“We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, as watchmen and guides, deeply committed to the sound moral, religious, and cultural growth of our dear country, hereby clearly highlight what the Samoa Document portends for the future of Nigeria and Nigerians and call on our government to, as a matter of urgency, propose an amendment of the Agreement or withdraw from it.”
The CBCN highlighted the legal ramifications of the agreement, noting that signing a treaty indicates an intention to be bound by its terms. They pointed out the secrecy surrounding Nigeria’s signing of the Samoa Agreement and questioned whether the signature was subject to ratification, acceptance, or approval.
The Bishops further elaborated that the Samoa Agreement essentially grants international law status to contentious issues such as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, and Abortion through its references to gender approaches and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. They criticized the lack of a glossary or definitions section in the treaty, which could lead to problems in its implementation and evaluation.
“Signing a Treaty creates an obligation to refrain, in good faith, from acts that would undermine its object and purpose,” the CBCN noted, referencing the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. “Under article 98.3 of the Samoa Agreement, Nigeria, by signing it, bound itself to recognize the validity of any measure taken to implement the Agreement after the date of its entry into force.”
The Bishops expressed concern that Nigeria’s signing of the Samoa Agreement undermines its longstanding role as a leader in contesting anti-life, anti-family, anti-culture, and anti-African values at the United Nations. They pointed out that the Agreement contains numerous references to gender equality and perspectives, which could have far-reaching implications.
Addressing the joint positions with the European Union in international fora, the CBCN remarked, “Several provisions in the Samoa Agreement commit Nigeria to take joint positions with the European Union in international affairs. This could compromise Nigeria’s ability to protect African values, culture, interests, and sovereignty.”
The CBCN called on the Nigerian government to propose an amendment to the Samoa Agreement, ensuring it does not impose obligations regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, comprehensive sexuality education, abortion, contraception, the legalization of prostitution, same-sex marriage, or sexual rights for children. They suggested that if Nigeria leads the call for such amendments, other African, Caribbean, and Pacific states might follow suit.
“Nigeria should withdraw from the Samoa Agreement if the EU rejects the proposed amendment,” the bishops urged, citing South Africa’s withdrawal from the Cotonou Agreement in 2023 as a precedent.
