By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka in Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for stronger legislative cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, urging both countries to expand parliamentary exchanges and share legislative experiences to strengthen democratic governance.
Akpabio made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit in his office. He stressed that Nigeria and the UK shared longstanding historical, economic and diplomatic ties that should be sustained and expanded for mutual benefit.
According to the Senate President, Nigeria’s historical relationship with Britain remains significant, with opportunities for deeper collaboration extending beyond trade and economic activities to legislative development. He noted that visits by members of the British House of Commons to observe Senate proceedings, alongside Nigerian committees’ visits to the House of Lords and House of Commons, had provided valuable opportunities for learning.
Akpabio also commended King Charles III for his cordial reception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his delegation during their recent state visit to the United Kingdom. He said the British monarch recognised Nigeria’s strategic importance to Africa’s economic development and security, adding that the relationship between both countries should continue to grow. He further urged British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and mining sectors, assuring them that improvements in the business environment had made investment more attractive, particularly in terms of ease of doing business and the repatriation of funds.
Earlier, Vowles said he visited to convey his government’s goodwill to the leadership of the National Assembly and reaffirm Britain’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He described the relationship between both countries’ legislatures as longstanding and assured that the UK would continue to provide support and partnership where required.
