The Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the stability and democratic integration of the West African sub-region, declaring that the nation’s national interest is inextricably linked to the progress of its neighbors.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum 2026, held under the theme “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” Jibrin highlighted Nigeria’s historic journey from the 1975 Treaty of Lagos to its current status as a regional pillar of democratic governance.
Senator Jibrin noted that Nigeria’s leadership role is not merely a matter of size or population, but a deliberate investment of diplomatic and financial resources.
He cited Nigeria’s consistent efforts in peacekeeping and mediation as evidence that the nation views regional security as a collective responsibility.
”The founding fathers understood that the destiny of West Africa could not be secured through isolated national efforts alone.
“Nigeria has repeatedly affirmed that the stability of West Africa cannot be separated from its own,” he stated.
The Deputy Senate President specifically pointed to the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as a milestone that institutionalized the rule of law and credible elections across the bloc.
In his dual capacity as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Jibrin emphasized the vital role of legislative bodies in maintaining transparency and oversight.
He pledged that the Nigerian National Assembly would continue to collaborate with regional counterparts to reinforce constitutional order and address emerging security challenges.
”The ultimate test of democracy lies in its ability to improve the lives of citizens,” he remarked, adding that millions of young people in the region are looking to democratic governance to provide economic opportunities and social justice.
Addressing the role of the press, Jibrin commended the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for its strategic role in shaping the global narrative about Africa.
He urged media institutions to remain “indispensable” in the fight against misinformation, which he warned can distort public discourse and threaten democratic culture.
Dismissing doomsday predictions regarding Nigeria’s stability, Jibrin noted that while democracy allows for dissenting voices, the “greatest percentage” of Nigerians believe the country is working.
Also speaking at the forum, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, described Nigeria as a “pillar of strength and unity” within West Africa.
He called for a renewal of collective commitments to good governance, noting that while regional challenges evolve, the strategies for addressing them must remain anchored in the rule of law and inclusivity.
