The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has reiterated Nigeria’s steadfast support for Cuba, describing the relationship between the two nations as a “brotherhood forged in history and solidarity.”
Akpabio made this statement during a courtesy visit by Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
He emphasized the longstanding ties between Nigeria and Cuba, which have been strengthened over decades through their shared struggles for self-determination, justice, and sovereignty.
The Senate President recalled Cuba’s pivotal role in Africa’s liberation from colonial rule and apartheid, particularly through its military and diplomatic support in countries like Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. He honored the sacrifices made by Cuban internationalists who fought alongside African liberation movements, saying, “When the forces of oppression sought to choke the life out of an entire continent, when apartheid reigned as an insult to human dignity, Cuba did not waver. Cuba stood with Africa and Cuba fought for Africa.”
Akpabio also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between Nigeria and Cuba in key areas such as trade, education, healthcare, technology, and culture. He condemned the enduring economic embargo imposed on Cuba, calling it an unjust relic of the past and a violation of international law. “Nigeria opposes, in the strongest terms, the unjust economic embargo imposed on Cuba. We have stood in the halls of the United Nations, casting our vote in defiance of injustice and demanding an end to this siege upon the Cuban people,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, Akpabio quoted Cuban revolutionary José Martí to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to standing by Cuba in its pursuit of sovereignty and dignity. In response, the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s continued support and reaffirmed Cuba’s dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
