Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for stronger democratic institutions, greater public trust and inclusive governance during the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
Akpabio, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the international parliamentary gathering, delivered an address titled “Inclusion, Trust and Opportunity.” He argued that democracy should be assessed by its impact on citizens’ everyday lives, rather than elections and economic statistics alone.
The Assembly, held from October 5 to 9, 2026, brought together parliamentary leaders and lawmakers to discuss governance, inclusion, international cooperation and sustainable development.
Its central theme was “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
Akpabio links democracy to citizens’ everyday experiences
In his address, Akpabio emphasised that democratic institutions must remain responsive to the needs and expectations of the people they represent.
He described inclusion, trust and opportunity as essential foundations for a democracy that gives citizens a voice and allows communities to participate in national development.
According to reports of his speech, Akpabio said democracy means more than elections, just as development means more than impressive statistics.
The message placed citizens’ experiences at the centre of the discussion about democratic governance.
It also highlighted the responsibility of elected representatives to ensure that public institutions translate decisions and policies into practical outcomes.
For Nigeria, the address connected parliamentary representation with broader questions about accountability, public confidence and access to opportunities.
Stronger parliaments and international cooperation
Akpabio’s participation also underscored Nigeria’s engagement with international parliamentary diplomacy.
According to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF), he highlighted the importance of cooperation among parliaments as countries confront challenges such as conflicts, economic uncertainty and climate change.
The IPU provides a platform for national parliaments to exchange legislative experiences, discuss common challenges and coordinate parliamentary action.
Its work covers democracy, peace, human rights and sustainable development. The organisation also provides a forum for parliamentarians to examine how national institutions can respond to emerging global issues.
For participating countries, such exchanges create opportunities to discuss legislative approaches and institutional practices across different political and economic settings.
However, the impact of international parliamentary cooperation ultimately depends on how participating legislatures apply relevant lessons through their own laws, oversight activities and public engagement.
Inclusion remains central to the Assembly’s agenda
The Assembly’s theme placed inclusion at the centre of discussions about governance and community empowerment.
Its programme included a proposed resolution on inclusive social development, focusing on parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of persons living with disabilities.
Delegates also considered issues involving artificial intelligence, the future of work, extractive industries, climate-related challenges and international law.
These subjects reflect the broad responsibilities facing contemporary parliaments.
Lawmakers are expected to scrutinise government policies, create legal frameworks and represent citizens whose needs may differ across regions, age groups and social circumstances.
The emphasis on inclusion therefore raises questions about whether public institutions provide meaningful access to decision-making, education, employment and essential services.
Akpabio’s remarks on trust and opportunity fit into this wider debate about how democratic institutions can respond to citizens’ expectations.
Nigeria’s role in parliamentary diplomacy
As leader of Nigeria’s delegation, Akpabio represented the National Assembly at a gathering involving parliamentary leaders from across the world.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation confirmed his leadership of the Nigerian delegation ahead of the Assembly.
Nigeria’s participation provided a platform to engage with other legislatures on governance, democratic accountability and international cooperation.
Parliamentary diplomacy can complement traditional diplomatic channels by creating opportunities for lawmakers to exchange views on legislation, institutional development and shared policy concerns.
Nevertheless, participation in international meetings is only one part of the process. Sustained outcomes depend on domestic legislative action, effective oversight and continued engagement with citizens.
The issues discussed in Arusha therefore remain relevant beyond the Assembly itself, particularly where they intersect with Nigeria’s own governance and development priorities.
IPU elects new president at the Arusha Assembly
The gathering also marked a leadership transition within the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
On October 9, the IPU elected Milton Dick, Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, as its 32nd president. He secured 56 per cent of the vote in a secret ballot and succeeded Tanzania’s Tulia Ackson, whose three-year term ended with the Assembly.
The election formed part of the Assembly’s statutory proceedings, alongside debates, committee meetings and consideration of parliamentary resolutions.
The IPU presidency provides political leadership for the organisation and involves chairing its statutory meetings and representing it at major international events.
The leadership change came as parliamentarians concluded discussions on the Assembly’s wider agenda of governance, inclusion and community empowerment.
Turning parliamentary commitments into practical outcomes
Akpabio’s address placed public trust, inclusion and opportunity at the heart of democratic governance.
The challenge for parliaments is to translate these principles into legislation, effective oversight and public policies that respond to citizens’ needs.
For Nigeria, this includes ensuring that representation is accompanied by accountability and that parliamentary decisions address the practical concerns of communities.
The 153rd IPU Assembly offered participating lawmakers an opportunity to exchange ideas on these responsibilities and consider how their institutions can contribute to more inclusive governance.
Akpabio’s message was that democracy must remain connected to the people it serves. The longer-term significance of the discussions will depend on how parliaments turn those commitments into measurable action.
