The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described London as a second home to Nigerians, citing the longstanding historical, cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Akpabio said the relationship between the two countries should be sustained and expanded, particularly through closer legislative cooperation and increased parliamentary exchanges.
He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit at his office.
“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 economic sphere and trade and we will like to deepen the relationship in the area of legislation because we have a lot to learn from you,” Akpabio told the envoy.
The Senate President said the historical relationship between both countries had continued to reflect in their economic and diplomatic engagements, adding that stronger cooperation between the National Assembly and the British Parliament would benefit both sides.
He cited exchanges between members of Nigeria’s National Assembly and the British Parliament, including visits by members of the UK House of Commons to observe Nigerian Senate proceedings and visits by Nigerian committees to the House of Lords and House of Commons.
Akpabio said, “The King was very nice to us. He recognises till today the importance of Nigeria not just in terms of population but the strategic importance of Nigeria to the economy and security of the entire Africa. The ties between Nigeria and the UK must be sustained.
“Today, we have, once in a while, visits from the House of Commons to observe our proceedings. Our committees here too have had occasions to visit the British House of Lords and House of Commons. Whatever it is, we have a lot to learn from you.
“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 also praised King Charles III for his hospitality to President Bola Tinubu and members of his delegation during their recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
Beyond parliamentary relations, Akpabio urged British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and mining sectors, assuring them of the prospects for profitable investments.
He said the Federal Government had improved the business environment, citing the ease of doing business and the ability of foreign investors to repatriate their funds.
Akpabio told Vowles, “As you are here now, you will take the message back to your investors in the UK that this is a country that even if you sell sand, you will make a profit.
“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.”
Earlier, Vowles said his visit was intended to convey goodwill to the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament and reaffirm the British government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
He said the UK was keen to build on existing achievements and expand cooperation with both chambers of the National Assembly.
“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.
“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,” Vowles said.