By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi, Senior Correspondent, Abuja

July 30th, 2007


He has also called for the dismantling of all barriers that hamper movement of goods and persons in the continent.

Mark stated this at the weekend during a meeting with visiting parliamentarians from Namibia led by Deputy Chairman of Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, Lucia Basson.

The Senate President reasoned that elimination of artificial barriers would enhance exchange of goods and services needed to improve co-operation and development among African countries.

"We must work towards eliminating visa problems within our continent. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has started it and it must spread round Africa so that traveling within Africa is made easier", he added.

He noted that European countries have adopted measures that ensure uniform practice in all they do, including a common currency and travelling documents, which he stressed, facilitate easier business and economic transactions.

Earlier, Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, had called for exchange programmes among African parliaments to improve legislation and democracy in the continent.

Also speaking, Senate Marine Transport Committee Chairman, Gbemisola Saraki, said Nigeria is gradually moving towards an appreciation of the role of women in governance.

She praised the Senate President for appreciating the role of women, pointing out that the Senate leadership gave women a reasonable number of committee headship.

In her response, Basson called for stronger unity among African countries, especially in guaranteeing sustainable democracy and good governance.