President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for deeper legislative cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, urging both countries to expand parliamentary exchanges and share legislative experiences to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship.
Akpabio made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit at his office.
The senate president said the historical, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two countries provided a strong foundation for expanding cooperation, particularly between the National Assembly and the British Parliament.
He said Nigeria had much to learn from the British parliamentary system, and advocated more exchange programmes to strengthen legislative capacity and deepen institutional collaboration.
Akpabio 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 stated that parliamentary exchanges were already taking place, with members of the British House of Commons occasionally visiting Nigeria to observe legislative proceedings, while Nigerian National Assembly committees had also visited the British House of Lords and House of Commons.
He called for more structured and sustained exchanges between the two legislatures, stressing that such engagements would enable lawmakers to learn from one another and strengthen parliamentary institutions.
Akpabio stated, “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.”
He added, “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 underscored the importance of sustaining the historical relationship between both countries, citing the strategic role Nigeria plays in Africa’s economic and security affairs.
He commended King Charles III for the hospitality extended to President Bola Tinubu and members of his delegation during their recent state visit to the United Kingdom.
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.”
He stated that the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom should be sustained and strengthened for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The senate president used the meeting to appeal to British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and mining, and other sectors of the economy.
He urged the British High Commissioner to convey to investors in the United Kingdom that Nigeria offered opportunities for profitable investments, citing improvements in the country’s business environment and the ability of investors to repatriate their funds.
He said, “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.”
His remarks highlighted the senate leadership’s push to complement diplomatic relations with stronger economic partnerships, particularly in sectors where British capital and expertise could support Nigeria’s development.
Earlier, Vowles said he visited to convey his warm regards to the leadership of the Nigerian legislature and reaffirm the breadth and depth of the relationship between both countries.
He said the British government was committed to identifying opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and build on the progress already recorded in bilateral relations.
The high commissioner said, “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 also reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria’s National Assembly, pledging continued cooperation with both chambers.
He said, “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.”
The meeting underscored the shared interest of both countries in sustaining diplomatic engagement, strengthening parliamentary cooperation, and expanding economic ties through investment and institutional exchanges.
Sunday Aborisade
Follow us on:
