Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary held on Friday at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, where he joined African and global dignitaries to celebrate the milestone.
The event, hosted by newly inaugurated President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marked a key moment for regional diplomacy, with Nigeria reaffirming its commitment to West African solidarity and cooperation.
Speaking on the sidelines, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the deep-rooted bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal, emphasizing their shared independence in 1960 and common interests in democratic governance, economic growth, and regional security.
“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.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for continued collaboration in key areas such as trade, democracy, and counter-terrorism efforts. Also part of the Nigerian delegation was Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s proactive foreign policy stance and commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties across the African continent.
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% of exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”