Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for stronger legislative cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including expanded exchange programmes to improve parliamentary practices in both countries.
Akpabio made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit at his office.
The Senate President said Nigeria and the UK shared longstanding historical, economic and diplomatic ties that should be sustained and expanded, particularly through closer collaboration between their legislatures.
“The history of Nigeria will not be complete without the United Kingdom. For us in Nigeria, London is like a second home. This permeates into the economic sphere and trade, and we would like to deepen the relationship in the area of legislation because we have a lot to learn from you,” he said.
Akpabio commended the British monarch, King Charles III, for the warm reception accorded President Bola Tinubu and his delegation during their recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
He said the UK recognised Nigeria’s strategic importance to Africa, not only because of its population but also because of its contributions to the continent’s economy and security.
“The ties between Nigeria and the UK must be sustained,” he said.
Akpabio noted that members of the British House of Commons occasionally visited Nigeria to observe parliamentary proceedings, while Nigerian legislative committees had also visited the UK’s House of Lords and House of Commons.
He called for more structured exchange programmes to strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian National Assembly and the British Parliament, particularly in lawmaking and legislative procedures.
“We want to deepen our relationship. We want to be able to have a lot of exchange programmes that will enable us to learn more and expand the relationship between the Nigerian Parliament as a whole and the United Kingdom in the area of legislation,” he said.
The Senate President also urged British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and mining sectors, assuring them that the country offered prospects for profitable investments.
He said ongoing efforts to improve the business environment had made it easier to invest and repatriate funds.
“Anything you invest in Nigeria, you will go back with profits. The investment climate has been made very easy, ease of doing business and the ability to repatriate your funds,” Akpabio said.
Earlier, Vowles said he visited to convey his regards to the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament and reaffirm the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
He said the British government was keen to build on existing cooperation with Nigeria and expand areas of mutual engagement.
“The instruction from my government is to find a way to continue to deepen that relationship. We believe that we have made a very important stride together. We want to continue to drive that further together,” he said.
Vowles reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly, particularly in areas where British expertise and institutional support could contribute to parliamentary development.
“We have a long-standing relationship with the National Assembly, both Houses. We will continue to partner with you where you require UK support and partnership,” he added.
