In a landmark engagement focused on global sustainability and inclusivity, Nigeria's Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, held strategic discussions with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Duarte Pacheco, on pressing global issues including climate change and gender equality.
The high-level meeting, which took place at the National Assembly in Abuja, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging parliamentary diplomacy in confronting the twin challenges of environmental degradation and gender imbalance. The IPU President is in Nigeria as part of a diplomatic tour to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and promote global legislative action.
During the talks, Senate President Akpabio reiterated the Nigerian legislature’s support for international efforts to mitigate climate change, stating, “The National Assembly is working tirelessly to strengthen environmental laws, promote clean energy initiatives, and ensure Nigeria meets its global climate obligations.”
Speaker Abbas echoed the sentiment, adding, “Gender equality is not just a moral imperative—it is an essential component of a functioning and just society. We are committed to improving women’s participation in politics, education, and economic development.”
IPU President Duarte Pacheco commended Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, emphasizing that climate action and gender parity must remain top priorities in all parliamentary engagements. He called on lawmakers worldwide to be proactive in passing laws that address these urgent global issues.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge to collaborate more closely through IPU channels, promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development policies.
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments, working to promote democratic governance, accountability, and cooperation among legislators worldwide.