President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on parliamentarians across the world to unite in partnership and commitment to peace, justice, and a shared global destiny.
Speaking at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in collaboration with the United Nations in Geneva, Akpabio urged legislative leaders to go beyond dialogue and take decisive actions to address global challenges.
“We must not simply convene; we must command,” Akpabio said in his address. “Let us bind our futures not only in treaties but in tenacity and remain paragons of purpose.”
Bringing greetings from Nigeria, Akpabio described his country as a resilient nation that has survived numerous crises. “I come from a nation that has endured fire and risen from ashes… and keeps sailing through storms and rough weather,” he said.
Speaking on the conference theme, “A World in Turmoil: Multilateralism for Peace, Justice and Prosperity for All,” Akpabio said the gathering was timely as conflicts, poverty, and injustice continue to afflict many parts of the world, especially in developing nations.
“Across the globe, conflict drowns out the songs of peace… While science surges, millions remain trapped in cycles of fear and want,” he noted.
Highlighting Nigeria’s legislative efforts in response to its domestic challenges, the Senate President cited the passage of several key laws, including the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Out-of-School Children Education Act, all aimed at addressing insecurity and rebuilding public trust.
He also emphasized Nigeria’s investment in youth and innovation through a 10-year National Digital Strategy, the Start-Up Act, expanded access to credit, and digital training programs. “We unlock potential long caged by poverty,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio pointed to the Not Too Young To Run Act and ongoing efforts to institutionalize gender quotas as milestones in Nigeria’s pursuit of greater inclusion. “Women and persons with disabilities are no longer on the margins,” he said.
He added that the Nigerian Parliament has also introduced reforms aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including education loans, vocational training, and targeted poverty alleviation measures.
Calling for renewed commitment to international cooperation, Akpabio stated: “Multilateralism must not become rhetoric. It must rise as a movement of resolve. When one corner [of humanity] is torn by conflict or injustice, the whole fabric is weakened.”
He concluded by urging parliamentarians to be bold and collaborative in finding global solutions that transcend political and geographical boundaries.
