From Abdullateef Bambgose
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen bilateral and parliamentary relations with Senegal.
He stated this when he received the Speaker of the Parliament of Senegal, Amadou Mame Diop and his delegation on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU.
Welcoming the Senegalese delegation, Akpabio described Nigeria and Senegal as “brother nations bound by history, culture and a shared destiny,” emphasizing the need for closer collaboration between their legislatures in advancing democratic governance and regional stability.
He noted that Nigeria has consistently played a leading role in conflict resolution within West Africa, particularly in addressing challenges in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, and reiterated its readiness to continue working with Senegal and other regional partners to sustain peace and strengthen democratic institutions across the sub-region.
Highlighting the structure of Nigeria’s National Assembly, the Senate president underscored the importance of parliamentary leadership in shaping governance outcomes, noting that the bicameral legislature remains central to Nigeria’s democratic process.
He also commended the emergence of a new generation of African leaders, describing the Senegalese speaker as part of a dynamic and forward-looking leadership committed to redefining governance and cooperation on the continent.
In his response, the speaker of the Parliament of Senegal expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to deepening its long-standing relationship with Nigeria.
He described the ties between the two countries as “historic and strategic,” rooted in shared cultural, linguistic and ethnic connections, and praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.
Diop highlighted the significant opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the energy sector, noting Senegal’s recent entry into oil production and the potential to benefit from Nigeria’s extensive experience.
He also acknowledged the growing presence of Nigerian investors in Senegal as a testament to the strength of bilateral economic relations.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, stressing that regional integration, economic collaboration and institutional stability are critical to Africa’s progress.
They underscored the need for greater connectivity within West Africa, improved trade linkages and enhanced cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and energy to ensure resilience and self-reliance in the face of global uncertainties.
Akpabio also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promote democracy, safeguard constitutional order and support regional peace initiatives, while also calling for renewed efforts to overcome historical divisions and build a more united and integrated West Africa.
He extended a formal invitation to the Senegalese speaker to visit Abuja, expressing confidence that continued engagement would further strengthen ties between the two nations and contribute to the broader goal of regional prosperity.