The economic planning minister explained that about 200 areas of cooperation were contained in the agreement signed by Nigeria and that aside from the agreement, an implementation agreement would be signed in each of the areas of cooperation.
He said the areas of cooperation would lead to “capital” and “technical support”.
Asked why the Federal Government signed the Samoa Agreement, Bagudu told newsmen that the agreement was for multi-sectoral development.
He said, “When you get a copy of the agreement, you will see that this is a broad agreement. It is about education, it is about food security, it is about water and sanitation, it is about decent work, it is about demography, it is about youths, it is about culture and sustainable development, it is about inclusive economic development, it is about private sector development, it is about human rights, democracy and the rule of law, it is about good governance, public administration, personal data, peace and security.
“Each article is about an area of cooperation. We signed (an) agreement with the EU to say that we believe we can cooperate in these areas. In the several areas which are about 200 distinct areas.”
Bagudu said “about $600m worth of projects are coming under” the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme of the Federal Government.
The minister further said, “There was nowhere in the body of the document where you will see $150bn but these are agreements which I believe, like with other countries, define what we want to relate with those countries in, and how to about it.”
Bagudu said, “The agreement provides a proviso where each country, not just Nigeria, can issue a declaration clarifying some basis in which it is signed.
“We will make the declaration available, it’s a public document presented along with (the agreement), we didn’t offer it because of concerns about misrepresentation about LGBT for example.”
Last November, the European Union, its 27 member states and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) signed an agreement in Apia, the capital of the Pacific island country of Samoa. Hence, it was referred to as the ‘Samoa Agreement’.
With the new agreement which succeeded the Cotonou Agreement, the parties are expected to be better equipped to address emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace and security.
Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024, but it became public knowledge this week after a disclosure by Bagudu at a meeting with EU representatives.
Meanwhile, Doyin Okupe, the former director-general of the Peter Obi’s Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organization, said it is treasonable to mislead people.
Reacting to the report in a post via his X handle on Saturday, Okupe said the deliberate misinformation was aimed at discrediting the Nigerian government and damaging the reputation of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the purpose of the misinformation was to cause serious disaffection within some parts of the country, which could cause major violence and civil unrest in the country.
Okupe added that the act, which is evil and unpatriotic, should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians, including leaders of the opposition parties.
He wrote, “The deliberate misinformation on the Samoa agreement signed by the FG is patently treasonable. This particular act was obviously aimed at damaging and discrediting the FG, with the intent to cause serious disaffection within some sections of the country. And because it touches on the innate and core sensibilities of our society, it has a dangerous potential to cause major conflagration and civil unrest in the country.
“It should be seriously condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians, including even leaders of the opposition who are hoping that someday they will also be in power. This is not just evil propaganda and unpatriotic, it is politics carried too far!! Bola Tinubu is President today, it will be someone else tomorrow.
“No matter your grouse against this administration or political ambition or disposition, it is not worth burning this nation for. I must commend the Premium Times for going the extra mile to find the truth and publish the same. Nigeria will still survive by God’s Grace. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
