President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, that Nigeria will support his bid for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio gave the assurance on Monday when Hon. Dick visited Abuja to solicit the support of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the election for the IPU Presidency next month.
The Senate President told his guest: “On the IPU, which is the reason why you came, I have taken note of your candidature for the Presidency of the IPU and of your experience within the organisation, including your service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group and leader of several IPU delegations.
“The materials accompanying your visit also emphasise your commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy. I must say that with you as President of IPU, the IPU can only wax stronger, the IPU can only improve.
“It is important that we complement the woman Secretary-General that we have elected with a man like you who has always shown very serious commitment.
“We are not saying that the African Group in the IPU will not have divergent views. We are yet to meet. We are meeting on October 4, 2026. I will be there to make sure that your candidature is considered. The African Group will meet. I assure you their decision will be in your favour.”
Akpabio said Nigeria attaches great importance to the IPU as an institution for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation, and looked forward to hearing the candidate’s vision for the organisation and his thoughts on strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific and developing countries within the IPU.
He also advocated strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
“If you have businessmen in Australia looking for areas to invest in, this is one country, Nigeria, that no matter what you invest in, the population is there, the market is available and you will make quantum profits.
“I want you to take the message back to the business community in Australia that Nigeria is awaiting their coming, that you have come to open the door and that it will never be closed again,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President added that both countries could help build a strong parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific.
Earlier, the visiting Australian Speaker said when he decided to run for the IPU Presidency, he was told he had to come to Nigeria to understand Africa.
“I know that Nigeria is the heart of Africa and your leadership is well known throughout the continent. On behalf of the people of Australia, we thank you for what you have done for democracy and we thank you for what you have done for the IPU.
“Mr President, thank you for being honoured to be with you today. I thank you for allowing me to earn your support and I promise you, if I am elected or if I am not elected, you have a brand new friend in Australia,” Hon. Dick said.
