The National Assembly played a key role in urging the Nigerian government to sign the Samoa Agreement, as revealed by documents obtained by Premium Times. The legislature not only supported the Agreement but also actively lobbied for its approval.
In a surprising turn, despite recent efforts by the House to halt the Samoa Agreement’s implementation, a letter from the National Assembly to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted its initial backing. The letter dated May 9, 2024, and signed by Muhammed Argungu on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal, specifically requested the government to finalize the Agreement and clear all outstanding dues to the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States and European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OACPS-EU-JPA).
The National Assembly’s lobbying was motivated by the chance for a Nigerian lawmaker to secure a position within the parliamentary wing of the OACPS-EU-JPA. Part of the letter states, “The Leader of the Nigerian Delegation was nominated during the meetings to represent West Africa in the Bureau of the Regional Assembly. Unfortunately, her nomination was withdrawn because Nigeria had not signed the Samoa Agreement and due to Nigeria’s debts.
“Therefore, the Honourable Minister is requested to consider this matter and take steps to sign the Agreement and pay the outstanding subscriptions to the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States and European Union (OACPS) to prevent the Nigerian delegation from facing embarrassment.”
The letter’s content contradicts claims by several lawmakers that they were not involved in negotiating or signing the Agreement. This revelation highlights the National Assembly’s significant role in advocating for the Samoa Agreement, despite recent opposition to its implementation.
