BY AHMED AKANBI
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Australia of Nigeria’s support for its bid to lead the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio gave the assurance when Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon Milton Dick, visited Abuja to lobby for the IPU presidency election holding next month.
The Senate President said he had taken note of Dick’s candidature, his experience as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group and leadership of several IPU delegations.
”With you as President of IPU, IPU can only wax stronger, IPU can only improve,” Akpabio told his guest.
He said materials accompanying the visit emphasise commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy.
”It is important that we complement a woman Secretary-General that we have elected with a man like you who has always shown very serious commitment,” Akpabio added.
He said the African Group in the IPU will meet on October 4, 2026, promising to ensure Dick’s candidature is accepted.
”I will be there to make sure that your candidature is accepted. The African group will meet. I assure you their decision will be in your favour,” he said.
Akpabio said Nigeria attaches great importance to IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
He said Nigeria looks forward to hearing Dick’s vision for strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific and developing countries within IPU.
He also advocated stronger Nigeria-Australia cooperation in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
”If you have businessmen in Australia looking for areas to invest, this is one country that no matter what you invest in, the population is there, the market is available and you will make quantum profits,” Akpabio said.
He urged Dick to tell Australian investors that Nigeria awaits them and the door opened by his visit will never be closed again.
He said both parliaments can build a strong bridge between Africa and the Pacific.
Earlier, Dick said he was told to come to Nigeria to understand Africa when he decided to run.
”I know that Nigeria is the heart of Africa and your leadership is well known. On behalf of Australia, we thank you for what you have done for democracy and for IPU.
”Thank you for allowing me to earn your support and I promise you if I’m elected or not, you have a brand new friend in Australia,” Dick added.