Nigeria and Senegal have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership grounded in shared democratic ideals, historical bonds, and growing economic interdependence, as Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima joined world leaders to commemorate Senegal’s 65th Independence Day in Dakar.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the national celebration held at Place de la Nation, Vice President Shettima witnessed a gathering of African dignitaries hosted by Senegal’s newly sworn-in President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Among the leaders in attendance were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani of Mauritania.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasized the enduring bilateral relationship between the two West African nations, both of which gained independence in 1960 and have consistently championed democratic governance and regional peace.

“Our ties with Senegal are not only historical but strategic. Nigeria and Senegal are key players in ECOWAS and maintain strong cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and diplomacy,” said Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu. She noted that Senegal accounts for nearly 69 percent of Nigeria’s exports within the regional bloc, underscoring Nigeria’s pivotal role in West African trade.

The Minister also recalled the recent diplomatic engagement between both leaders. “President Faye’s visit to Nigeria last year to confer with President Tinubu highlights the seriousness with which both nations approach this partnership,” she added.

In his independence address, President Faye praised Senegal’s democratic resilience and outlined a bold agenda for national transformation. Key among his reforms are fiscal discipline, public finance transparency, and sustainable debt management—efforts aimed at stabilizing the country’s economic trajectory and enhancing accountability.

A statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to deepening regional integration and supporting democratic progress across the continent.