According to the Nigerian government, Senegal and Nigeria have a strategic partnership based on economic interdependence, democratic principles, and a common history.
This came after Vice President Kashim Shettima attended Senegal’s 65th Independence Day celebration on Friday at Dakar’s Place de la Nation.
When Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hosted visitors from all around Africa and beyond, Vice President Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu.
Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, speaking on the sidelines of the event in Dakar, stated that Nigeria and Senegal have very strong bilateral ties, pointing out that both nations gained independence in 1960 and have upheld shared commitments to democratic governance and regional security.
Also on Nigeria’s delegation was Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
“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,” the Minister stated.
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Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries.
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% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”
The Minister also pointed to sustained high-level engagement, noting that “the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was in Nigeria last year to meet with our President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to talk about areas of collaboration and cooperation.”
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria-Senegal partnership, expressing hope that both nations will “continue deepening this economic relationship and enhance” their relationship across all sectors.
