The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Senegal, emphasizing a shared history, commitment to democratic values, and strong economic interdependence between the two West African nations.
This reaffirmation came during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s attendance at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day celebration held on Friday at the Place de la Nation in Dakar. Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the high-profile event hosted by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Speaking on the sidelines of the celebration, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the deep-rooted bilateral ties between both countries. According to a statement by the vice president’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, she noted that Nigeria and Senegal, having both gained independence in 1960, continue to uphold shared values of democratic governance and regional security.
“Both countries have remained committed to deepening democratic governance, values, and constitutional governance in the African continent. We have also jointly remained committed in the fight against terrorism and building strong regional institutions,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
The Minister stressed the importance of sustained collaboration in democracy, trade, and security, pointing to economic data that underscores the depth of the partnership.
“Senegal takes 68.7% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she revealed, describing the figure as evidence of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”
She also referenced continued high-level diplomatic engagement, noting that, “The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was in Nigeria last year to meet with our President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to talk about areas of collaboration and cooperation.”
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship, saying she hopes both countries will “continue deepening this economic relationship and enhance” collaboration across all sectors.
The Dakar celebration drew dignitaries from across the continent, including President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani of Mauritania.
In his national address, President Faye lauded Senegal’s democratic progress and reaffirmed his commitment to transformative reforms.
“Now more than ever, we must harness this driving force to correct what needs fixing and to give shape to the aspirations of our people and the hopes of our youth,” he declared.
Among his priorities, President Faye cited optimizing local finances, enhancing budgetary transparency, rationalizing public spending, and ensuring sustainable debt management as key to safeguarding the nation’s fiscal future.
