The engagement, held on the sidelines of the global parliamentary summit in Istanbul, focused on boosting collaboration and accelerating West African integration.

Akpabio described Côte d’Ivoire as a key partner and “brother nation,” stressing that deeper unity is essential for the region’s stability and progress.

He warned that disunity could expose West Africa to new forms of external control, adding that stronger integration would enhance trade, political cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

Both leaders called for renewed efforts within ECOWAS to fast-track regional integration, including the reintegration of Sahel countries and the strengthening of shared economic and political systems.

A major focus of their discussion was the Abidjan–Accra–Lagos Coastal Highway project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to link over 300 million people across West Africa. Once completed, it is projected to drastically reduce travel time between Lagos and Abidjan and improve cross-border trade and movement.

Akpabio described the highway as a transformative “economic artery” for the region and commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to its delivery.

On his part, Achi emphasized the role of the private sector in driving economic growth, stressing that governments must focus on creating an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and stability.

Both leaders also highlighted major regional challenges such as weak infrastructure, language barriers, fragmented markets, and youth migration, warning that Africa risks underutilising its vast potential without urgent reforms.

They further raised concerns over emerging digital and economic dependency risks, calling for stronger investment in technology, innovation, and regional security cooperation, including smart border management systems.

The two parliamentary leaders pledged to deepen legislative collaboration, improve oversight of regional projects, and harmonise laws to support West African integration.

They concluded that Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire remain central pillars in the push for a more united and economically strong West Africa, expressing optimism that sustained cooperation would accelerate regional transformation.