Nigeria seeks deeper diplomatic, economic ties with Senegal

The federal government says Nigeria and Senegal share a strategic partnership rooted in common history, democratic ideals, and mutual economic reliance.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs, spoke on Friday on the sidelines of the 65th Independence Day celebration in Dakar, Senegal.

The minister was among the delegation led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima to represent President Bola Tinubu at the event in the West African country.

She said that since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has maintained a shared commitment to democratic governance and regional security with Senegal.

“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,” 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.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Senegal accounts for 68.7 percent of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market, an indication of strong economic ties.

“Senegal takes 68.7 percent exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she added.

The minister described the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation”, noting that Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the Senegalese President, was in Nigeria in 2024 to meet with Tinubu to discuss more areas of collaboration and cooperation.

She expressed hope that Nigeria and Senegal will “continue deepening this economic relationship and enhance their partnership across all sectors”.