The Federal Government of Nigeria has hailed its longstanding partnership with Senegal as a cornerstone for regional peace, stability, and economic integration in West Africa.
This affirmation came as Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, held Friday at the Place de la Nation in Dakar.
The commemorative event was hosted by Senegal’s newly inaugurated President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and drew dignitaries from across the continent, including presidents from Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, and Mauritania.
Speaking on the sidelines, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal as “deep-rooted and strategic,” anchored on a shared colonial history and mutual aspirations for democratic governance and economic development.
“Senegal and Nigeria have very strong bilateral ties. This has been as a result of our shared history and circumstances—both countries attained independence at about the same time in 1960,” the minister stated.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the minister emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries.
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She said, “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.”
The Minister revealed that Senegal accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market—an indicator of Nigeria’s central role in regional trade.
“Senegal takes 68.7% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”
The Minister also pointed to sustained high-level 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.”