Akpabio seeks strong parliamentary relationship with UK on legislation

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called for a deepening of relationship between the parliament of Nigeria and the British Parliament particularly in the area of legislation.

Akpabio made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Peter Vowles paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

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The Senate President acknowledged the long historic ties between the two countries and posited that the relationship should be sustained.

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

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“This permeates into economic sphere and trade and we will like to deepen the relationship in the area of legislation because we have a lot to learn from you.

Akpabio said the His Mergesty, King Charles lll was very nice to the Nigerian Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his entourage during his recent state visit to the UK.

“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 economic and security of the entire Africa. The ties between Nigeria and the UK must be sustained.

“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 Nigerian Parliament as a whole and the United Kingdom in the area of legislation.”

Akpabio also solicited for investment in the area of oil and mining: “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.”

Earlier, Mr Vowles said the purpose of his visit was to extend his kindest and warmth regards to the leadership of the Nigerian Parliament and to emphasise the breath and depth of the UK/Nigeria relationship

“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.

“We have a long standing relationship with the National Assembly, both houses. We will continue to partner with you where you require UK support and partnership,” Mr Vowles said.

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