The Nigerian Government has stated that its agreement with the Organisation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) will significantly benefit the country.
The agreement was signed at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28, 2024.
During a press conference on Saturday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, dismissed claims that the agreement would promote LGBTQ issues.
A copy of the document provided to journalists during the briefing indicated that it focuses on political partnership for mutual benefit among members.
Article 1 of the document outlines the objectives of the OACPS, where members commit to establishing a robust political partnership aimed at achieving mutually advantageous outcomes based on shared values and common interests.
According to the document, “This Agreement shall contribute to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015 (the “2030 Agenda”), and the Paris Agreement adopted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, done at Paris on 12 December 2015 (the “Paris Agreement”), as overarching frameworks guiding the partnership under this Agreement.”
The objectives as outlined in the agreement included to “promote, protect and fulfil human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance, paying particular attention to gender equality;
“Build peaceful and resilient states and societies, tackling ongoing and emerging threats to peace and security;
“Foster human and social development, and in particular to eradicate poverty and address inequalities, ensuring that everyone enjoys a life of dignity and that no one is left behind, with special attention paid to women and girls;
“Mobilise investment, support trade and foster private-sector development, with a view to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth and creating decent jobs for all;
“Combat climate change, protect the environment and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources; and implement a comprehensive and balanced approach to migration, so as to reap the benefits of safe, orderly and regular migration and mobility, stem irregular migration while addressing its root causes, in full respect of international law and in accordance with the Parties’ respective competences.”
The Agreement covers various focus areas, including:
- Human rights, democracy, and governance in people-centered and rights-based societies
- Peace and security
- Human and social development
- Inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development
- Environmental sustainability and climate change
- Migration and mobility
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