Africa must speak with one voice in global politics — Abbas

By Msugh Ityokura

15 December 2025

News

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has called on African countries to adopt a unified and coherent approach in responding to the changing global political order.

Abbas made the call at the 3rd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) held in Rabat, Morocco, where he highlighted the growing importance of African parliaments in shaping the continent’s global relevance.

He said the world is at an “inflection point,” with power shifting across regions, economic competition intensifying and new technologies reshaping security, production and social life, adding that climate pressures, conflicts and unstable institutions continue to challenge global stability.

According to him, Africa faces both opportunities and risks in the evolving order, stressing that weak institutions and poor regional coordination have limited the continent’s influence.

“For Africa to secure its interests, our parliaments must respond with foresight. Legislative leadership and parliamentary diplomacy must become strategic tools for resilience and collective progress,” Abbas said.

He noted that global changes affect Africa’s food systems, energy markets, security cooperation and access to technology, insisting that African legislatures must be active participants, not observers, in global decision-making.

The Speaker said effective legislative leadership requires strong institutions, accountability, investor-friendly laws and policies that promote inclusive growth and youth opportunities.

Abbas added that Nigeria’s parliament has prioritised oversight, reforms and parliamentary diplomacy, while supporting continental cooperation through CoSPAL, which Nigeria has helped to establish and strengthen.

He also commended his predecessor, Femi Gbajabiamila for his role in founding CoSPAL, describing it as a vital platform for African parliamentary unity and collective voice.

The Speaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with ECOWAS, the African Union and other partners to promote security, economic stability and Africa’s shared interests on the global stage.