President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has pledged Nigeria’s support for the candidature of the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio made the commitment when he received Dick at the National Assembly in Abuja, where both leaders discussed his IPU candidature and ways of strengthening parliamentary and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia.
The Senate President acknowledged Dick’s experience within the IPU and his commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy, expressing confidence that his leadership could contribute to strengthening the Union and advancing cooperation among parliaments across the world.
He said Nigeria attaches great importance to the IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
“As African parliamentarians prepare to meet ahead of the election, I look forward to engaging my colleagues on the continent on his candidature,” Akpabio said.
Beyond the IPU election, the meeting also focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Australia in key sectors, including mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
Akpabio also invited the Australian business community to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, highlighting the country’s large population, sizeable market and abundant natural resources.
According to him, Nigeria remains a destination of immense potential for serious investors seeking opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
The Senate President said Nigeria and Australia have an opportunity to build a stronger parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific while deepening bilateral relations and developing partnerships capable of delivering tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.
The engagement with Dick come as parliamentarians prepare for the forthcoming IPU leadership election, with Nigeria positioning itself to engage other African legislators on the Australian Speaker’s candidature.
