FCT, Abuja — The Nigerian government has refuted claims of signing an agreement with the European Union (EU) to secure a $150 million loan as part of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) group agreements.

On Saturday, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, clarified during a press briefing organized by the Minister of Information and National Orientation that Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement with the EU. The primary focus of this agreement is to enhance food security, inclusive economic development, and other critical areas, not to attract a loan.

Bagudu emphasized that none of the articles in the agreement between Nigeria and the EU indicated any recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights. He insisted that the endorsement was made with clear clarifications to protect Africa’s specific needs in various sectors.

Senator Bagudu outlined Nigeria’s key areas of cooperation under the agreement, which include sustainable economic growth and development, peace and security, climate change, migration, human rights, democracy, and governance. He reassured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would not sign any document that compromises the religious, cultural, or societal values of the citizens.

“The endorsement is aligned with the nation’s constitution and laws, and thorough consultations were carried out before signing the Samoa agreement,” Bagudu stated.

He urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign direct investments from the European Union.

In parallel, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, reinforced that the Tinubu administration would never sign any agreement detrimental to Nigerian interests. Idris expressed concern over the misrepresentation of facts regarding the Samoa agreement and assured that the government is engaging religious leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of its policies and attract more investment opportunities.