President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Australia, with greater cooperation in areas including mining, steel development, agriculture and parliamentary diplomacy.
Akpabio spoke in Abuja while hosting the visiting Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, at a dinner attended by lawmakers, diplomats, government officials and other policymakers.
Welcoming the Australian delegation, the Senate President said Nigeria was interested in building a stronger and more productive relationship between both countries.
“Nigeria is not only welcoming, we are also determined to forge stronger ties with Australia. We have a lot to learn from Australia in the area of mining and steel development.”
Akpabio noted that Nigeria and Australia share similarities as federal states and expressed optimism that greater engagement would open new areas of cooperation between both countries.
He also proposed a toast to the continued friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Australia.
Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy
The Senate President also reiterated Nigeria’s support for Hon. Dick’s candidature for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio cited Dick’s experience within the organisation, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group and his leadership of several IPU delegations.
He expressed confidence that the Australian Speaker’s experience and commitment to parliamentary diplomacy could contribute to the work of the IPU.
Akpabio also emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving international disputes, noting the role parliamentary diplomacy can play in promoting understanding and peace.
He said the IPU provides parliamentarians from different parts of the world with an important platform for dialogue and cooperation on global issues.
Expanding Nigeria-Australia Cooperation
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, also highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Australia.
He identified mining, agriculture, livestock production, forestry management and climate action among areas where both countries could expand their relationship, while stressing that geographical distance should not prevent closer cooperation.
The Minister also underscored the role of parliamentary engagement in foreign policy and in strengthening people-to-people relations between both nations.
Hon. Dick expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him and his delegation in Nigeria. He thanked Akpabio for the support extended to his IPU candidature and said he intended to represent the interests of the wider parliamentary community if elected.
The engagements reflected the growing emphasis by both countries on strengthening parliamentary ties while exploring wider opportunities for economic and institutional cooperation.
