President
Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill on Monday that criminalises same-sex
relationships, the presidency said.
The
bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay
marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships" and membership of gay
rights groups, was passed by the national assembly last May but Jonathan had
delayed signing it into law.
Two
similar bills have been proposed since 2006 but failed to make it through
parliament.
"Yes,
Mr President had signed the bill into law, a statement will be issued on it
within the week," presidency spokesman Reuben Abati told Reuters.