Senate President woos Australian investors, says Nigeria offers immense potential in mining, agriculture, energy
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot 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 on Monday when he received Hon. Dick at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where both leaders held bilateral discussions on strengthening parliamentary ties between Nigeria and Australia.
The meeting focused on two major issues: Hon. Dick’s aspiration to lead the world’s largest organisation of parliaments, and the deepening of economic and parliamentary cooperation between Nigeria and Australia.
Speaking after the meeting, Akpabio said he was impressed by the Australian Speaker’s experience within the IPU and his commitment to core values of the Union
“I received the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, at the National Assembly in Abuja, where we held discussions on his candidature for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the strengthening of relations between Nigeria and Australia,” Akpabio stated.
“I assured him of Nigeria’s support and acknowledged his experience within the IPU, as well as his commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy. I believe his leadership would contribute meaningfully to strengthening the Union and advancing greater cooperation among parliaments across the world.”
The Senate President noted that Nigeria attaches great importance to the IPU as a global platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
According to him, African parliamentarians will soon meet to take a common position ahead of the IPU election, and Nigeria will be actively engaging its counterparts on the continent on Dick’s candidature.
“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,” he said.
Beyond the IPU presidency race, Akpabio disclosed that the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Australia in critical sectors of the economy.
He listed mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building as key areas where both countries can deepen collaboration for mutual benefit.
“Our meeting provided an opportunity to discuss stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building,” he noted.
Akpabio also used the occasion to extend an open invitation to the Australian business community to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s large population, vast market and abundant natural resources make it a prime destination for serious investors.
“I also extended an invitation to the Australian business community to explore the enormous opportunities Nigeria offers. With our population, market and abundant resources, Nigeria remains a destination of immense potential for serious investors,” the Senate President said.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria and Australia can build a stronger parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific region.
“Nigeria and Australia have an opportunity to build a stronger parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific, deepen our bilateral relations and create partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our people,” Akpabio added.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union presidency election is scheduled for later this year, with Hon. Milton Dick, who has served as Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives since 2022, considered a leading contender.
