The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has called for renewed efforts to strengthen democratic institutions across West Africa, warning that evolving political and security challenges demand resilient governance systems.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the Voice of Nigeria Forum 2026 held in Abuja, the lawmaker emphasized that while the region has recorded notable democratic gains, the journey toward stability remains far from complete.
The forum, themed “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including media professionals, diplomats, lawmakers, security officials, and traditional leaders.
Jibrin, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, underscored the central role of legislative institutions in safeguarding democracy. According to him, parliaments act as custodians of accountability, transparency, and constitutional order.
He noted that Nigeria’s National Assembly of Nigeria remains committed to reinforcing democratic structures through effective oversight, progressive legislation, and policies that promote both national development and regional integration.
Highlighting Nigeria’s influence within Economic Community of West African States, Jibrin described the country’s leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility. He stressed the need for Nigeria to lead by example through strong institutions and a firm commitment to democratic ideals.
The senator also pointed to ongoing collaboration among West African lawmakers, noting that legislative diplomacy continues to strengthen dialogue and cooperation across the subregion.
Beyond governance, he stressed that democracy must ultimately translate into improved living standards for citizens, insisting that its success should be measured by tangible impacts on people’s lives.
Jibrin further highlighted the critical role of the media in sustaining democratic culture, particularly in an era marked by widespread misinformation. He called for credible journalism to shape accurate global narratives about Africa and support informed public discourse.
“As we reflect on over five decades of Nigeria’s contributions to regional stability, the task of building strong, inclusive, and responsive democratic institutions remains ongoing,” he said, urging collective commitment to peace, governance, and regional unity in West Africa.
