Akpabio seeks stronger Nigeria-UK parliamentary ties, calls for legislative exchange programmes

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for stronger parliamentary relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, urging both countries to deepen cooperation in legislative development, institutional capacity building, trade and investment.

Akpabio made the call in Abuja on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, who said the UK government was committed to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Nigeria’s National Assembly.

The Senate President said the historical connections between both countries had provided a strong foundation for cooperation, adding that the relationship should be sustained and expanded to address contemporary economic, legislative and security challenges.

“The history of Nigeria will not be complete without the United Kingdom. For us in Nigeria, London is like a second home,” Akpabio said.

He noted that the relationship between the two countries extended beyond historical and cultural connections to include economic activities, trade and other areas of mutual interest.

According to him, Nigeria is particularly interested in expanding legislative cooperation with Britain, citing the country’s parliamentary experience as a useful resource for strengthening Nigeria’s legislative institutions.

“We will like to deepen the relationship in the area of legislation because we have a lot to learn from you,” he said.

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Akpabio said regular exchanges between lawmakers and parliamentary institutions would provide opportunities for both countries to share experiences, improve legislative practices and strengthen democratic governance.

He disclosed that members of the British House of Commons occasionally visited Nigeria to observe proceedings at the National Assembly, while Nigerian parliamentary committees had also visited the British House of Lords and House of Commons.

However, he said both countries could achieve more through structured exchange programmes involving lawmakers, parliamentary committees and other relevant institutions.

“Nigeria would want to have exchange programmes that will expand the relationship between the Nigerian Parliament as a whole and the United Kingdom,” he said.

The Senate President’s proposal highlights the potential for greater institutional collaboration between the two legislatures, particularly in areas such as legislative research, committee oversight, lawmaking procedures and parliamentary administration.

Such exchanges could provide opportunities for lawmakers to examine different approaches to public accountability, legislative scrutiny and the development of laws addressing emerging economic and social challenges.

Akpabio praises King Charles III’s reception of Tinubu

Akpabio also recalled the recent state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom, commending King Charles III for the reception accorded the Nigerian President and his delegation.

He said the British monarch recognised Nigeria’s importance not only because of its population but also because of its strategic position in Africa’s economic and security affairs.

“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 economic and security of the entire Africa,” Akpabio said.

He maintained that Nigeria and Britain should continue to build on their longstanding relationship, stressing that sustained engagement would benefit both countries.

“The ties between Nigeria and the UK must be sustained,” he added.

His remarks came amid renewed calls for stronger bilateral engagement in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, security cooperation, trade and institutional capacity building.

Senate President woos British investors

Beyond parliamentary relations, Akpabio urged British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil, mining and other productive sectors, assuring them that the country was working to create a more favourable investment environment.

He asked Vowles to communicate Nigeria’s investment opportunities to businesses and investors in the United Kingdom, particularly those seeking opportunities in the country’s natural resources and wider economy.

“As you are here now, you will take the message back to investors in the UK that this is a country where even if you sell sand you will make profit,” he said.

“Anything you invest in Nigeria, you will go back with your profit. The investment climate has been made very easy.”

Akpabio specifically identified oil and mining as areas where British investors could deepen their involvement, although he did not provide details of specific investment proposals or incentives during the meeting.

His appeal reflects Nigeria’s interest in attracting foreign capital, expanding productive activities and creating opportunities for economic growth through partnerships with international businesses.

However, the realisation of such investment opportunities will depend on factors including policy consistency, regulatory transparency, infrastructure availability, security and investors’ ability to operate profitably.

Stronger parliamentary engagement could also provide a platform for discussions on legislation affecting foreign investment, including laws governing natural resources, taxation, business operations and investor protection.

UK pledges continued partnership with National Assembly

Earlier, Vowles said his visit was intended to convey the British government’s goodwill to the leadership of Nigeria’s parliament and explore ways to deepen relations between both countries.

He said the UK government had directed him to identify opportunities to strengthen the partnership and build on progress already achieved through bilateral engagement.

“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,” the British High Commissioner said.

Vowles reaffirmed Britain’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria’s National Assembly, noting that the UK was prepared to continue working with both chambers of the legislature.

He said Britain would sustain its partnership with the National Assembly in areas where Nigerian lawmakers required support and cooperation.

“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,” he said.

The visit underscored the shared interest of both countries in maintaining diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation through their legislative institutions.

For Nigeria, stronger parliamentary ties could offer opportunities to improve legislative capacity and exchange institutional knowledge, while closer economic engagement could help attract British investment into strategic sectors.

Both countries will, however, need to translate their stated commitment into practical programmes, sustained institutional exchanges and investment partnerships to deliver measurable benefits from the renewed engagement.