SAYS IT’S NOT PART OF THE SIGNING
By Vincess Okushi
The federal government has debunked the report of being present at the signing of the New Partnership Agreement, (Samoa) between the Member States of the Organization of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).
A statement signed by Francisca Omayul, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said their attention has been drawn to diverse pronouncements and publications on the implication of Nigeria being part of the signatory agreement.
She added that 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 spokesperson however urged the general public to observe with keen interest 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 to ensure that its provisions do not contravene Nigeria’s domestic legislation. The statement ended.
