President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the candidature of the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio stated this when he received Dick at the National Assembly in Abuja, where both leaders discussed the forthcoming IPU election as well as ways to strengthen parliamentary and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia.
Senator Akpabio, according to a statement published on his official Facebook page on Monday, October 5, said Nigeria recognised Dick’s experience within the IPU and his commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy.
He also acknowledged Dick’s previous engagement with the organisation, including his service within the Asia-Pacific Group and participation in IPU delegations. Nigeria’s support for the Australian Speaker’s candidature had earlier been communicated during Dick’s visit to Abuja.
The Senate President said Nigeria attached considerable importance to the IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
He added that, as African parliamentarians prepared for their engagements ahead of the election, he looked forward to discussing Dick’s candidature with his colleagues on the continent.
Beyond the IPU election, Akpabio said his meeting with the Australian Speaker provided an opportunity to explore areas for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Australia.
He listed mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building among the sectors where both countries could deepen collaboration.
Akpabio also invited Australian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, pointing to the country’s large population, market and natural resources.
He said closer relations between the two countries could help establish a stronger parliamentary link between Africa and the Pacific, while expanding bilateral cooperation and creating partnerships capable of delivering practical benefits to citizens of both countries.
Dick is among three candidates seeking to succeed outgoing IPU President Tulia Ackson of Tanzania.
The IPU is scheduled to elect its 32nd president on October 9, 2026, during its 153rd Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
Three candidates are contesting the position: Dick of Australia, Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan and Rojo Edwards Silva of Chile.
The successful candidate will serve a three-year term as head of the global organisation, which brings together national parliaments and promotes inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.
