Akpabio pledges Nigeria’s support for Australian IPU bid

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged Nigeria’s support for Australian House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick in his bid to become the next president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Akpabio made the commitment on Monday during Dick’s visit to Abuja to seek support from Nigeria’s Parliament ahead of next month’s election. The Senate president was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu.

Akpabio said Nigeria had considered Dick’s experience within the IPU, including his service as vice-president of the Asia-Pacific group and his leadership of several IPU delegations. He also referred to Dick’s stated commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy. According to Akpabio, Nigeria would attend an African group meeting scheduled for 4 October 2026, where the regional position on the candidature would be considered.

He said he would be present and expressed confidence that the group’s decision would favour Dick. Akpabio said Nigeria regarded the IPU as important for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation. He also called for closer bilateral ties with Australia in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.

The Senate president urged Australian companies to consider investment opportunities in Nigeria, citing the country’s population and market. He told Dick to convey to Australia’s business community that Nigeria was open to engagement. Dick said he decided to seek the IPU presidency after being advised to visit Nigeria to understand Africa better and engage its parliamentary leadership.

He thanked Nigeria for its contribution to democracy and the IPU, and said Australia would remain a friend of Nigeria whether or not he won the election.