Nigeria not Signatory of Samoa Agreement
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the country is not a signatory of the Samoa agreement which took place on November 15, 2023.
A press release signed by the Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Francisca K. Omayuli stated that the country has taken note of various statements and publications regarding the impact of Nigeria’s signing of the new Association Agreement between Members of the Organization of American, Caribbean and Pacific States, known as the Samoa Agreement. ) and the European Union (EU).
According to the release, the Samoa Agreement, covers six (6) key priority areas of Human Rights, Democracy and Governance; Peace and Security; Human and Social Development; Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change; Inclusive Sustainable Economic Growth; and Development, Migration and Mobility.
The Agreement supersedes and replaces the Cotonou Agreement (2000), which in turn was preceded by several other agreements aimed at bolstering relations between the OACPS and EU.
“The general public is invited to note that Nigeria was not represented at the Signing Ceremony, which took place in Samoa on Wednesday, 15th November, 2023 and hence has not signed the Agreement.
“Relevant Nigerian stakeholders are currently studying the Instrument with a view to ensuring that its provisions do not contravene Nigeria’s domestic legislation”, Mrs Omayuli concluded.
