Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed his country's willingness to support Australia's Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, in his bid to become the next President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Akpabio made this commitment during a courtesy visit by Dick to his office in Abuja on Monday. The visit aimed to solicit Nigeria's support for Dick's presidency bid ahead of the IPU election scheduled for next month.
Akpabio commended Dick's experience within the IPU, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and leadership of several IPU delegations. He noted that Dick's materials emphasized his commitment to impartiality, inclusion, and parliamentary diplomacy. Akpabio expressed confidence that under Dick's leadership, the IPU would strengthen and improve. He also highlighted the importance of complementing the organization's woman Secretary-General with a man like Dick, who has shown serious commitment to the IPU.
The Nigerian Senate President emphasized that his country attaches great importance to the IPU as an institution for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace, and international cooperation. He looked forward to hearing Dick's vision for the organization and his thoughts on strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific, and developing countries within the IPU. Akpabio also advocated for strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and Australia in areas such as mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security, and capacity building.
Akpabio encouraged Australian businessmen to invest in Nigeria, citing the country's large population and available market. He assured them that Nigeria is open to their investments and that the door for business opportunities will remain open. The Senate President also suggested that Nigeria and Australia can build a strong parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific.
Earlier, Speaker Dick said that when he decided to run for the IPU Presidency, he was advised to visit Nigeria to understand Africa. He acknowledged Nigeria's leadership and its well-known reputation throughout the continent. Dick expressed gratitude to Akpabio and the people of Nigeria for their contributions to democracy and the IPU. He promised to be a friend to Nigeria, regardless of the outcome of his presidency bid.
The meeting between Akpabio and Dick also discussed the African group's divergent views on the IPU presidency. Akpabio assured Dick that the African group will meet on October 4, 2026, to make a decision on his candidature. He expressed confidence that the decision will be in Dick's favor. The two leaders also explored ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation between their countries.
The visit by Speaker Dick to Nigeria highlights the country's significance in African and international parliamentary affairs. Nigeria's support for Dick's IPU presidency bid is expected to boost Australia's chances of securing the top position. The IPU election is scheduled to take place next month, and Akpabio's assurance of support is seen as a significant development in the run-up to the election.
Key points
- Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged to support Australia's Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, in his bid to become the next President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
- Akpabio commended Dick's experience within the IPU and expressed confidence that under his leadership, the organization would strengthen and improve.
- The Nigerian Senate President also advocated for strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and Australia in areas such as mining, agriculture, education, and renewable energy.
