Nigeria, Senegal strengthen legislative partnership, pledge deeper regional cooperation

The President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations with Senegal following a high-level meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of Senegal on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Receiving the Senegalese delegation, Akpabio described Nigeria and Senegal as “brother nations bound by history, culture, and a shared destiny,” stressing the need for deeper legislative collaboration to promote democratic governance, institutional stability, and regional peace in West Africa.

He noted that Nigeria has historically played a leading role in conflict resolution across the sub-region, particularly in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, and reiterated the country’s readiness to continue working with Senegal and other regional partners to consolidate peace and strengthen democratic institutions.

Highlighting the structure of Nigeria’s parliament, Akpabio underscored the central role of the National Assembly of Nigeria in shaping governance outcomes.

He explained that the bicameral legislature remains a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic process and a key driver of accountability and policy development.

The Senate President also commended what he described as the emergence of a new generation of African leaders, characterising the Senegalese Speaker as part of a dynamic leadership cohort committed to redefining governance standards and advancing continental cooperation.

In his response, the Speaker of Senegal’s Parliament, Amadou Mame Diop, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to deepening its long-standing ties with Nigeria.

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Diop described relations between the two countries as “historic and strategic,” rooted in shared cultural, linguistic, and ethnic linkages. He praised Nigeria’s leadership role on the African continent and acknowledged the country’s influence in regional peacekeeping and diplomacy.

The Senegalese Speaker highlighted significant opportunities for enhanced economic collaboration, particularly in the energy sector.

He pointed to Senegal’s recent entry into oil production and noted the potential benefits of leveraging Nigeria’s decades of experience in the petroleum industry. Diop also acknowledged the growing presence of Nigerian investors in Senegal, describing it as evidence of strengthening economic ties.

Both leaders stressed the importance of revitalising cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting that regional integration, economic collaboration, and institutional resilience are vital to Africa’s long-term development.

They further underscored the need to enhance connectivity across West Africa, improve intra-regional trade, and strengthen partnerships in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy to build resilience and self-reliance amid global economic uncertainties.

Akpabio reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional order, promoting democratic governance, and supporting peace initiatives across the sub-region. He also called for renewed efforts to overcome historical divisions and accelerate the vision of a more united and economically integrated West Africa.

The Senate President extended a formal invitation to Diop to visit Abuja, expressing confidence that sustained parliamentary engagement would further deepen relations between Nigeria and Senegal and contribute to broader regional prosperity.