President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, that Nigeria will support his bid to become the next President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU.

Senator Akpabio gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja when Hon. Dick paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the National Assembly to solicit Nigeria’s support ahead of the IPU presidential election scheduled for next month.

The Australian Speaker, who was accompanied by top officials of the Australian Parliament, said his visit to Nigeria was part of a global tour to seek the support of influential parliaments for his candidature.

In his welcome address, the Senate President described the visit as a demonstration of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Australia and the shared commitment to parliamentary democracy.

He commended Hon. Dick for his outstanding contributions to the IPU and his impressive record of service within the organisation over the years.

Akpabio said he had carefully noted the Australian Speaker’s experience, including his role as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group in the IPU and his leadership of several important IPU delegations.

According to him, the materials presented by the Australian delegation during the visit emphasise a strong commitment to impartiality, inclusiveness and genuine parliamentary diplomacy.

The Senate President expressed optimism that the IPU would witness greater growth and relevance if Hon. Dick emerges as its President.

“I must say that with you as President of IPU, IPU can only wax stronger, IPU can only improve,” Akpabio declared.

He noted that it was important and symbolic to have a male President to complement the female Secretary-General recently elected to manage the affairs of the IPU.

Akpabio described Hon. Dick as a man of integrity who has consistently shown deep commitment to democratic governance and international cooperation.

Speaking on the position of the African continent, the Senate President acknowledged that the African Group in the IPU may have divergent views on the presidency.

He, however, disclosed that the African Group will meet on October 4, 2026, to take a common position on the matter.

“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,” Akpabio assured his guest.

He further explained that Nigeria attaches great importance to the IPU as a veritable platform for fostering parliamentary dialogue, strengthening democracy, promoting peace and enhancing international cooperation.

The Senate President added that Nigeria looks forward to hearing Hon. Dick’s vision for the IPU and his plans for amplifying the voices of Africa, the Pacific and other developing nations within the union.

Beyond IPU politics, Akpabio used the opportunity to call for stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and Australia for the benefit of both countries.

He identified mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and human capacity building as critical sectors where both nations can collaborate.

The Senate President urged Australian investors and businessmen to consider Nigeria as a prime destination for investment, citing the country’s large population and huge market potentials.

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

“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 added.

Akpabio also emphasised the need for both parliaments to work together to build a strong legislative bridge between Africa and the Pacific region.

He said such parliamentary cooperation would help promote understanding, trade and people-to-people ties between the two continents.

Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Milton Dick said he was told when he decided to contest for the IPU presidency that he must visit Nigeria to understand Africa’s position.

He described Nigeria as the heart of Africa, noting that the country’s leadership role on the continent is widely respected.

“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 we thank you for what you have done for the IPU,” Dick said.

The Australian Speaker thanked Senator Akpabio for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation at the National Assembly.

“Mr President, thank you to be honoured for being with you today. I thank you for allowing me to earn your support and I promise you if I’m elected or if I’m not elected, you have a brand new friend in Australia,” he stated.