Akpabio Seeks Stronger Nigeria-Australia Ties In Mining, Steel Development
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining and steel development.
Akpabio made the call in Abuja while hosting the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, to a dinner attended by lawmakers, diplomats, administrators and other policymakers.
The Senate President said Nigeria was determined to deepen its engagement with Australia, noting that both countries shared similarities as federal states and could benefit from greater cooperation.
“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 said.
He said the two countries should build on their common federal structures to strengthen friendship and cooperation.
Akpabio also announced Nigeria’s support for Dick’s aspiration to become the 32nd President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
He said Dick had demonstrated commitment to parliamentary diplomacy through his active participation in various organs of the IPU.
According to him, Nigeria’s support followed consultations with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and members of the Nigerian delegation to the IPU.
Akpabio said Nigeria would also engage colleagues within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc in support of Dick’s aspiration.
He expressed confidence that Dick’s experience would contribute to the further development of the IPU.
The Senate President also stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global conflicts, saying the failure of dialogue had contributed to some of the crises around the world.
He said the IPU, in partnership with the United Nations, had an important role to play in promoting peace and resolving disputes through dialogue among parliamentarians.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanlaiye, said Nigeria and Australia had significant opportunities to expand cooperation.
He identified mining, agriculture, livestock production, forestry management and climate action as areas with potential for deeper bilateral engagement.
Enikanlaiye said geographical distance should not prevent both countries from developing stronger partnerships in critical sectors.
He also called for increased parliamentary engagement, stressing that foreign policy should not be the exclusive responsibility of the executive.
According to him, stronger collaboration between parliaments would promote people-to-people contacts and contribute to a more vibrant foreign policy.
In his remarks, Dick expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him in Nigeria, saying the experience had further motivated his aspiration to lead the IPU.
He thanked Akpabio for his support and pledged that, if elected, he would serve as a voice for all members of the international parliamentary organisation.
