Akpabio seeks stronger Nigeria-UK parliamentary ties

… calls for legislative exchanges

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday called for stronger parliamentary relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK), particularly in legislation, urging both countries to expand exchanges to strengthen their legislative institutions.

Akpabio made the call in Abuja when he granted audience to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, at the National Assembly.

The Senate President acknowledged the longstanding historical ties between the two countries, stressing the need to sustain and deepen the relationship for mutual benefit.

He said, “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 the economic sphere and trade, and we would like to deepen the relationship in the area of legislation because we have a lot to learn from you.”

Akpabio also commended King Charles III for his hospitality towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his entourage during their recent visit to the United Kingdom.

“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”, Akpabio told the High Commissioner.

The Senate President noted that parliamentary exchanges between the two countries had provided opportunities for mutual learning, expressing the desire to expand such engagements.

He added, “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.”

Akpabio also called for increased British investment in Nigeria’s oil and mining sectors, urging the High Commissioner to encourage investors from the UK to explore opportunities in the country.

He stated, “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 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.”

Speaking earlier, Vowles told his host that he was at the National Assembly to convey his warm regards to the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament and reaffirm the breadth and depth of relations between the two countries.

He explained, “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.”

Vowles reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with Nigeria’s National Assembly, noting the longstanding partnership with both chambers, adding, “We have a longstanding relationship with the National Assembly, both houses. We will continue to partner with you where you require UK support and partnership.”