Akpabio Assures Australia Of Nigeria’s Support for IPU Presidency

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. 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 solicit the support of the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the election of the next IPU president next month.

The Senate President told his guest that Nigeria had taken note of Dick’s candidature, experience within the organisation and contributions to parliamentary diplomacy.

“On the 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.

“The materials accompanying your visit also emphasise your commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy. I must say that with you as president of the IPU, the IPU can only wax stronger; the IPU can only improve.

“It is important that we complement a woman Secretary-General whom we have elected with a man like you who has always shown a very serious commitment.”

Akpabio, however, noted that the African group within the IPU had yet to take a collective position on the election, saying its meeting was scheduled for 4 October 2026.

“We are not saying that the African Group in the IPU will not have divergent views. We have yet to meet. We are meeting on 4 October 2026. I will be there to ensure your candidature is accepted. The African Group will meet. I assure you their decision will be in your favour,” he said.

Akpabio said Nigeria attached great importance to the IPU as an institution for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.

He said Nigeria looked forward to hearing Dick’s vision for the organisation and his thoughts on strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific and developing countries within the IPU.

The Senate President also advocated stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.

“If you have businessmen in Australia looking for areas to invest in, this is one country, Nigeria, where no matter what you invest in, the population is there, the market is available, and you will make quantum profits.

“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 said Nigeria and Australia could also work together to build a strong parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific.

Earlier, the visiting Australian Speaker said he was advised to visit Nigeria to better understand Africa when he decided to contest the IPU presidency.

“When I decided to run for the presidency of the IPU, I was told that I had to come to Nigeria to understand Africa.

“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 for the IPU.

“Mr President, thank you for honouring me by allowing me to be with you today. I thank you for allowing me to earn your support, and I promise you that, whether I am elected or not elected, you have a brand-new friend in Australia,” Dick said.