By NEWSCOUNT Desk
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, of Nigeria’s support for his candidature for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving the Australian Speaker, who visited Nigeria to seek the support of the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the IPU presidential election.
The Senate President acknowledged Dick’s experience and contributions to the IPU, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group and his leadership of several IPU delegations.
Akpabio said the materials presented by the Australian delegation showed Dick’s commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy, expressing confidence that the IPU would benefit from his experience if elected.
He said the African Group within the IPU would still have to meet and deliberate on the candidature, but assured Dick that he would personally attend the meeting and advocate for his support.
Akpabio also called for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
He urged Australian businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria, stressing the country’s large population, market and economic potential.
According to him, Nigeria is ready to welcome increased Australian investment and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Akpabio further called for stronger parliamentary engagement between Africa and the Pacific, saying closer legislative relations would contribute to improved diplomatic, economic and institutional cooperation.
Dick, who thanked the Nigerian Parliament for receiving him, described Nigeria as the heart of Africa and acknowledged the country’s role in democracy and the development of the IPU.
He said he was advised to visit Nigeria because of the country’s importance and influence on the African continent as part of his campaign for the IPU presidency.
Dick expressed appreciation to Akpabio for the opportunity to present his candidature and seek Nigeria’s support, promising to maintain the friendship between Australia and Nigeria regardless of the outcome of the election.
The engagement also featured discussions on parliamentary diplomacy, democratic institutions, international cooperation and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia.
The IPU’s 153rd Assembly is currently taking place in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 4 to 9, 2026, with the Governing Council expected to elect a new President during the Assembly.
