Nigeria and Australia have reiterated commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through parliamentary diplomacy, economic partnerships, democratic cooperation and expanded collaboration in critical sectors.
The commitment was reaffirmed when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, Milton Dick, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Enikanolaiye said; “geographical distance should not hinder stronger engagement between both countries, given their shared vision and commitment to advancing bilateral relations.”
The Minister of State acknowledged Australia’s historic support for Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle under the Commonwealth during the period of military rule, while expressing appreciation for the acceptance of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Australia, Ambassador Femi Pedro.
He said; “the establishment of stronger diplomatic communication would facilitate exchanges and create opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”
“Distance couldn’t be a barrier for engagement between Nigeria and Australia, given their strong will, clear vision and shared commitment to take bilateral relations to higher pedestals,” Enikanolaiye stated.
He noted that Nigeria-Australia relations had enormous untapped potential, urging both countries to translate their cordial ties into structured economic partnerships capable of delivering tangible benefits.
Enikanolaiye identified critical minerals as a major area for cooperation, emphasising Nigeria’s interest in technology transfer, value addition and mineral beneficiation.
He also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and livestock development, noting that “Australia’s expertise in agro-processing and export-oriented livestock production could support Nigeria’s development priorities.”
The Minister further described parliamentary diplomacy as an important instrument for strengthening people-to-people relations and advancing the interests of citizens in both countries.
The Australian Speaker Milton Dick described his visit to Nigeria as both ‘a personal and institutional privilege,’ recognising the country as Africa’s most populous nation and an emerging economic powerhouse.
Dick noted that Nigeria and Australia shared similarities in their parliamentary systems, commitment to democracy and cultural diversity, while maintaining cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation and food security.
He disclosed that a Nigerian Parliamentary Friendship Group had been established to deepen legislative cooperation and promote institutional exchanges between both countries.
The Australian Speaker also commended the Nigerian community in Australia for its contributions to the country, stressing the importance of education in strengthening cultural understanding and people-to-people relations.
He said; “expanding economic cooperation, particularly through mutually beneficial partnerships in Nigeria’s mining sector, would further strengthen bilateral relations.”
The meeting featured discussions on Dick’s candidacy for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), with the Australian Speaker outlining his vision for an inclusive and equitable organisation.
Both sides also exchanged views on climate action, conflict prevention and resolution, and the challenges of internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
Enikanolaiye stressed that democratic governance must deliver socio-economic well-being and human security to strengthen democratic institutions.
He also called for a development-oriented approach to migration, arguing that it should not be criminalised but recognised for its potential benefits to both countries of origin and destination.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to pursuing its foreign policy through strategic autonomy, maintaining constructive relations with international partners while prioritising national interests.
Dick, in turn, reiterated Australia’s commitment to respectful dialogue, multicultural inclusion and stronger engagement with African countries.
Enikanolaiye expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation across political, economic and social sectors would strengthen relations between Nigeria and Australia and promote shared prosperity.
