President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on parliamentarians across the world to stand in unity and commit to building a future anchored on peace, justice, and shared humanity.
Speaking at the ongoing 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Akpabio emphasized the urgent need for collective action in addressing global crises.
“As parliamentarians, let us commit to collaboration and the courageous pursuit of solutions that transcend borders and partisan divides,” he urged.
Akpabio, who brought greetings from Nigeria’s Senate and its resilient citizens, described his country as one that has consistently overcome adversity. “I come from a nation that has endured fire and risen from ashes. A nation that finds clarity in confusion and keeps sailing through storms and rough weather,” he said.
Reflecting on the conference theme, “A World in Turmoil: Multilateralism for Peace, Justice and Prosperity for All”, the Senate President noted that conflict, poverty, and insecurity continue to threaten global stability, especially in developing nations.
He stated that the Nigerian Parliament has responded by enacting key legislation such as the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Out-of-School Children Education Act.
Highlighting reforms in innovation, inclusion, and poverty alleviation, Akpabio mentioned the implementation of a 10-year National Digital Strategy, the Start-Up Act, and education loans, among others. He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to gender inclusion through the Not Too Young to Run Act and proposed gender quota legislation.
“Multilateralism must not become rhetoric; it must rise as a movement of resolve,” Akpabio declared. “Let us therefore stand in partnership, committed to peace, justice, and shared destiny.”
The Senate President concluded by urging global parliamentarians to remain “paragons of purpose” and to legislate with courage in confronting the world’s pressing challenges.
