In spite of the socio-political challenges confronting the West African region, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, and the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed efforts to proffer lasting solutions.

They made this fresh commitment when the Speaker led a delegation of the Parliament on a courtesy visit to Akpabio at the National Assembly on Friday in Abuja.

Both the Senate President, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament engaged in a closed-door session where they deliberated on issues affecting the sub-region. Madam Speaker was accompanied by the Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr. Bertin Some, and other staff of the Parliament.

The Speaker’s delegation was received by the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian Senate, Jibrin Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Hon. Ibrahima said it became pertinent to pay a visit to the President of the Senate to officially thank him for making facilities available for the sitting of the Parliament.

Following the closure of its building for renovation, the ECOWAS Parliament had moved its parliamentary session to the Nigerian Senate.

“We came to thank him for all the facilities that the Senate of Nigeria is providing for the ECOWAS Parliament to facilitate the holding of our sessions in Abuja.

“We also discussed the socio-political situation in the community…”