President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged Nigeria’s support for the Australian Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, in his bid to become President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Akpabio made the commitment on Monday when Dick visited the National Assembly in Abuja to seek the support of Nigeria’s parliament ahead of next month’s IPU presidential election.
The Senate President said Dick’s experience within the IPU, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and leadership of several IPU delegations, positioned him to strengthen the organisation.
He also cited Dick’s stated commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy.
Akpabio said Nigeria would participate in the African parliamentary group’s meeting on October 4, 2026, where the continent’s position on the election would be discussed.
He said, “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.”
The Senate President said Nigeria attaches importance to the IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
He added that Nigeria was interested in strengthening cooperation with Australia in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
Akpabio also urged Australian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, saying the country’s large population offered a significant 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,” he said.
He further advocated stronger parliamentary ties between Africa and the Pacific through Nigeria-Australia cooperation.
Earlier, Dick said he was advised to visit Nigeria because of the country’s strategic role in Africa when he decided to contest the IPU presidency.
He thanked Akpabio for Nigeria’s support for democracy and the IPU, promising to maintain the relationship between both countries regardless of the outcome of the election.
