President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has pledged Nigeria’s support for the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, in his bid to become President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja when Dick visited the Nigerian Parliament to seek support ahead of the IPU presidential election scheduled for next month.
The Senate President said he had taken note of Dick’s experience within the IPU, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group and leadership of several IPU delegations.
He also commended the Australian Speaker’s stated commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy, saying his leadership would strengthen the organisation.
“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,” Akpabio said.
He added that Nigeria would participate in the meeting of the African Group scheduled for October 4, 2026, where the group would consider Dick’s candidature.
“I assure you their decision will be in your favour,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President said Nigeria attached great importance to the IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
He said Nigeria was also interested in hearing Dick’s vision for the organisation and his plans for strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific and developing countries within the IPU.
Akpabio also called for stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
He urged Australian investors to explore 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, that you have come to open the door and that it will never be closed again,” he said.
Akpabio further said Nigeria and Australia could use parliamentary diplomacy to build stronger ties between Africa and the Pacific.
Earlier, Dick said he decided to seek the IPU presidency after being advised that he needed to visit Nigeria to better understand Africa.
“I know that Nigeria is the heart of Africa and your leadership is well known throughout the continent,” he said.
The Australian Speaker thanked Akpabio for Nigeria’s contributions to democracy and the IPU, adding that regardless of the outcome of the election, he considered Nigeria to be a friend.
“If I am elected or if I am not elected, you have a brand new friend in Australia,” Dick said.
