Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) is as a symbol of what coordinated and synergistic African legislative leadership can achieve, from peace and security to economic development and democratic consolidation and beyond.
Hon. Gbajabiamila stated this at the officially inauguration of CoSPAL Secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital, and explained that in these times of democratic fragility, the body is indeed needed, more than ever in recent history.
Established in the year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, CoSPAL is an indigenous pan—African inter-parliamentary organisation committed to fostering collaboration, cooperation and coordination amongst legislative leadership across the continent.
“Today marks a historic milestone for our continent and an inspiring affirmation of what African cooperation can achieve when anchored on shared purpose, political will, and a deep commitment to democratic governance.
“CoSPAL was conceived at a moment of global uncertainty. In 2020, when the world was confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa’s legislative leaders found themselves compelled to collaborate more closely, exchange ideas more frequently, and speak with a clearer, collective and unified voice.
“Amidst that crisis, a small group of us — Speakers from across Africa — recognised that our parliaments could no longer afford to operate in isolation. The challenges we faced were continental in scale, therefore, our responses had to be continental in spirit.
“Today, that idea has matured into a living institution — one that stands not only in philosophy or ideology but now also in brick, steel, and mortar. It is not every day that a vision grows into tangible reality.
“Yet here we are, witnessing the emergence of a pan-African inter-parliamentary institution whose potential is extraordinary and whose significance for democratic development in Africa cannot be overstated”.
In his remarks, Secretary-General of CoSPAL, Amb. ’Dapo Oyewole said the pressures of insecurity, democratic fragility, economic shocks and global realignments across Africa, calls for parliamentary leaders that are more responsive, assertive, and collaborative.
According to Oyewole in times like these, institutions like CoSPAL are not only relevant but are indispensable.
“This Secretariat stands as a concrete expression of our collective resolve to build a platform where Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures can work together under one banner, speak with one voice, and champion a unified Africa’s interests with dignity and coherence. It is a space where ideas will be shaped, dialogue will be fostered, and legislative leadership will be strengthened for generations to come.
“As we commission this home of pan-African legislative leadership, we honour the leaders whose vision brought us here—Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu CFR. Their commitment, sacrifice and dedication reminds us all that institutions do not grow by accident; but they grow through intention, investment, and trust,”he stated.
Also Speaker of the Ghana Parliament and Chairman of CoSPAL, Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford-Bagbin, said within a short time, the body has been able not just to bring the parliaments together but also to unite their vision of moving Africa forward.
“This seed was sown because we had COVID-19, and the challenges were far beyond the handle of one parliament. And so having a visionary leader like Femi, he brought the idea, he brought the speakers together, he brought even me into this whole conference. And together so far, we have held two successful conferences.
“We have made impact, supporting our presidents, leaders of our continent, to push across one of the initiatives, debt forgiveness and how to improve governance and leadership in our continent to make sure that we depend on ourselves, we grow on our own, and we define and determine our direction and vision. This is what we have done so far and in Morocco, we’re going to consolidate and entrench that culture this year”, he added.
