Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for a deeper strategic partnership between Nigeria and Senegal, arguing that closer legislative cooperation between the two countries is essential to consolidating democratic governance, resolving regional conflicts, and driving economic growth across West Africa.
Akpabio made the call during a meeting with Senegalese Parliament Speaker Amadou Mame Diop and his delegation on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, describing both nations as brother countries bound by history, culture, and shared destiny.
The Senate President reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding role as a stabilising force in West Africa, citing the country’s past interventions in troubled states such as Guinea-Bissau, and pledged continued collaboration with Senegal and other regional partners to sustain peace and democratic order. He described stronger parliamentary engagement between Abuja and Dakar as critical to shaping governance outcomes across the sub-region.
Akpabio also highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s bicameral National Assembly as a driver of accountability and policy direction, and praised what he described as the emergence of a new generation of African leaders determined to redefine governance and continental cooperation.
Diop responded warmly, reaffirming Senegal’s commitment to deepening its historic ties with Nigeria and acknowledging the latter’s leadership role on the African continent. He highlighted growing opportunities for economic partnership, pointing to Senegal’s recent entry into oil production and the potential to leverage Nigeria’s decades of experience in the industry. He also noted the increasing presence of Nigerian investors in Senegal as a reflection of the strength of existing bilateral relations.
Both leaders stressed the need to accelerate regional integration through improved connectivity, stronger trade linkages, and closer cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy. They agreed that such measures were vital to building resilience in the face of growing global economic uncertainty.
Akpabio extended a formal invitation to Diop to visit Abuja, expressing confidence that sustained high-level engagement would advance both bilateral relations and the broader objectives of regional stability and economic development.
