Nigeria gains two leadership positions in CoSPAL

In a recent development, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL).

Additionally, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on International Cooperation, Dapo Oyewole, secured the role of Secretary-General of CoSPAL.

The elections took place at the 2nd General Assembly meeting of CoSPAL in Accra, Ghana, where Ghana’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, was also re-elected as Chairman.

The assembly hosted over 100 participants, including national legislative leaders from across Africa, emphasizing CoSPAL’s mission of strengthening African legislative collaboration.

Representing Nigeria’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu advocated for Nigeria to occupy two of the five CoSPAL positions allotted to West Africa. Kalu also proposed constitutional amendments, including a periodic review of the Secretariat’s performance to boost efficiency, as well as an appeals process and clarity around membership termination rules.

The recommendations were accepted by the General Assembly, reflecting CoSPAL’s commitment to transparent governance and accountability. The newly elected officials will be inaugurated on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the assembly.