At the heart of Geneva’s Palais des Nations, where the world’s top lawmakers gathered to chart a way forward for a planet in crisis, Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON, made a powerful impression. Addressing the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (29–31 July 2025), convened by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in partnership with the United Nations, Akpabio delivered a stirring keynote titled “Courage to Legislate, Will to Lead.”
His speech went far beyond protocol. It was a forceful declaration of Nigeria’s resilience, a reassertion of Africa’s democratic relevance, and a call for global parliamentary action. In Akpabio’s words and delivery, the world witnessed a rare blend of statesmanship, empathy, and strategic vision.
Speaking from the Storm: Nigeria’s Legislative Example
Akpabio painted a vivid picture of Nigeria’s turbulent path — a nation that, despite challenges from insecurity and poverty, continues to rise with determination. “We legislate in the storm, reform in the furnace, and lead with courage,” he said, grounding Nigeria’s legislative reforms in lived national experience.
He highlighted key legislative breakthroughs:
- The Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act
- The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act
- The Out-of-School Children Education Act
These, he argued, form a legislative foundation that connects security with social progress — tackling root causes like poverty, youth vulnerability, and extremism.
Akpabio also presented Nigeria as a case study in leveraging legislation for innovation and equity:
The 10-Year National Digital Strategy and the Start-Up Act are unlocking opportunities for youth, expanding credit access, and offering digital training.
The Not Too Young To Run Act and proposed gender quotas are broadening political inclusion, empowering young people, women, and persons with disabilities.
“Inclusion, not exclusion, must be our standard,” he declared — a message that echoed strongly, especially following the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament held earlier during the conference.
Turning to multilateralism, Akpabio challenged the global order to abandon rhetoric and embrace resolve.
“Multilateralism must not become a slogan. It must rise as a movement,” he urged, proposing three pillars:
- Local Solutions, Global Relevance: Nigeria’s regional security models were offered as grassroots templates adaptable to global contexts.
- Binding Legislative Action on SDGs: From tax reforms to educational loans, Akpabio framed Nigeria’s actions as fulfillment of global development promises.
- Shared Humanity, Shared Responsibility: Using the metaphor of a torn tapestry, he emphasized that no nation is safe until all are secure.
Beyond the applause, Akpabio’s speech strategically positioned Nigeria as a leader in the Global South. By blending poise with policy, he spoke not only for Nigeria but for every nation striving to convert chaos into progress.
Now a member of the IPU’s Executive Committee and Preparatory Committee, Akpabio’s presence in Geneva signals Nigeria’s re-entry into global parliamentary leadership. Observers viewed his address as both a national milestone and a personal legacy moment.
“We are not defined by what we face, but by how we rise,” he told the world — and in Geneva, Nigeria rose with him.
Senator Godswill Akpabio’s Geneva moment was more than symbolic — it was a bold step in redefining legislative diplomacy, showcasing how courage, clarity, and compassion can steer parliaments through global storms.
