President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, of Nigeria’s support for his bid for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio gave the assurance on Monday, when Dick visited Abuja to seek the support of the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the IPU presidential election scheduled for next month.
The Senate President said he had taken note of Dick’s candidature and his experience within the IPU, including his service as Vice-President of the Asia-Pacific Group and leadership of several IPU delegations.
He said Dick’s commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy would strengthen the organisation if he emerged as president.
“On IPU, which is the reason why you came, I have taken note of your candidature for the presidency of the IPU and of your experience within the organisation, including your service as Vice-President of the Asia-Pacific Group and leadership of several IPU delegations,” Akpabio said.
“The materials accompanying your visit also emphasise your commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy. I must say that with you as President of IPU, IPU can only wax stronger, IPU can only improve.”
Akpabio said Dick’s leadership would complement that of the woman elected as IPU Secretary-General, adding that Nigeria would support his candidature during the African group’s meeting.
“We are not saying that the African group in IPU will not have divergent views. We are yet to meet. We are meeting on 4 October, 2026. 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.
He said Nigeria attached great importance to the IPU as an institution for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
He noted that Nigeria looked forward to hearing Dick’s vision for the organisation and his plans for strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific and developing countries within the IPU.
The Senate President also called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Australia in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
He urged Australian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, citing the country’s large population and market.
“I want you to take the message back to the business community in Australia that Nigeria is awaiting their coming and that you have come to open the door and that it will never be closed again,” Akpabio said.
He further said Nigeria and Australia could build a strong parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific.
Earlier, Dick said he was advised to visit Nigeria to better understand Africa after deciding to contest for the IPU presidency.
“I know that Nigeria is the heart of Africa and your leadership is well known throughout the continent. On behalf of the people of Australia, we thank you for what you have done for democracy and we thank you for what you have done for the IPU,” Dick said.
He thanked Akpabio for receiving him and seeking to understand his candidature.
“Mr President, thank you to be honoured for being with you today. I thank you for allowing me to earn your support and I promise you if I’m elected or if I’m not elected, you have a brand new friend in Australia,” he said.
