The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on African parliaments to speak with one voice in response to the changing patterns of global politics.
Abbas said African parliaments have a critical role to play in advancing the continent’s interests and priorities within the evolving world order.
He made the remarks on Saturday at the 3rd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures in Rabat, Morocco.
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas noted that new technologies are reshaping production, security and social life, even as conflicts within and between states continue to displace communities and destabilise fragile regions
The statement read in part, “Africa stands within this shifting architecture, facing both risks and possibilities. Our continent is young, resource-rich, and strategically positioned. Yet we also face threats that exploit institutional fragility, weak regional coordination, and uneven global influence.
“For Africa to secure its interests, our parliaments must understand the changing order and respond with foresight. Legislative leadership must become a tool for resilience. Parliamentary diplomacy must evolve into a strategic instrument for advancing African priorities.
“This changing global landscape affects Africa in many ways. It shapes food systems, energy markets, and access to technology. It influences security cooperation, migration flows, and the ability of states to tackle terrorism and organised crime. It determines the extent to which African voices are heard in global debates on trade, health, and climate.
“More than ever, Africa must speak with coherence and act with unity. Our parliaments cannot be observers. We must be active participants in shaping outcomes.”
According to him, legislative leadership demands “Strong institutions that hold the executive accountable, protect public finances, and drive inclusive growth.”
He advocated the enactment of laws that would inspire investor confidence and open up the continent’s economy to create opportunities for Africa’s youthful population.
The statement continued, “The Nigerian parliament has placed these obligations at the centre of its work and continues to strengthen the tools that enable oversight and reform.
“Parliamentary diplomacy has also become essential. It allows legislatures to engage peers, build alliances, and project national positions with credibility.
“It supports conflict prevention and regional stability and enhances mutual understanding. It deepens economic and security partnerships.
“For Africa, parliamentary diplomacy is not optional. It is a strategic necessity. Nigeria’s approach reflects this conviction.”
The Speaker noted that under President Bola Tinubu, “The government has pursued reforms intended to stabilise the economy, attract investments, and strengthen national security. These reforms require legislative backing and sustained cooperation with partners.
“Nigeria continues to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and neighbouring countries to tackle security threats. We also support the strengthening of continental institutions so that Africa can negotiate from a position of clarity and unity.”
While commending the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, for spearheading CoSPAL as its pioneer chairman, Abbas said Nigeria considers the body an essential platform for African parliamentary cooperation.
“Nigeria has also expanded its network of parliamentary friendship groups to promote engagement with strategic partners. These groups have enabled sustained dialogue with parliaments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas,” he added.
CoSPAL was established to strengthen parliamentary cooperation across the continent and provide a unified platform for legislative leaders to exchange ideas on governance, democracy and regional integration.
The forum brings together speakers of national assemblies and parliamentary presidents to address shared challenges, including security, economic development, political stability and Africa’s representation in global decision-making processes.
In recent years, African leaders have increasingly emphasised the need for stronger legislative diplomacy as global politics undergo significant shifts driven by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, climate change and economic realignments.
With Africa’s growing population, expanding markets and strategic importance, continental institutions such as the African Union and ECOWAS have continued to push for coordinated positions on international trade, security cooperation and development financing.
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