Akpabio asks UK for more parliamentary exchanges, pitches oil and mining to investors

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked the United Kingdom to deepen legislative cooperation with Nigeria, proposing more exchange programmes between the National Assembly and the British Parliament.

He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit, according to reports from the meeting.

Akpabio said the two countries share a long history that cannot be separated, describing London as a second home for many Nigerians.

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

he said, adding that the ties stretch into trade and the economy.

What he wants from the UK

The Senate President said Nigerian lawmakers have a lot to learn from their British counterparts and wants that learning to become more regular.

He noted that members of the UK House of Commons sometimes visit to observe Senate proceedings, and that Nigerian committees have visited the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

He asked for more of such exchanges so both parliaments can share ideas on lawmaking.

Akpabio also thanked King Charles III for hosting President Bola Tinubu and his delegation during their recent state visit to the UK. He said the King recognises Nigeria's importance, not just because of its population but for its strategic role in Africa's economy and security.

The pitch to British investors

Beyond parliament, Akpabio urged British businesses to look at Nigeria's oil and mining sectors, saying the government has made it easier to do business and to move profits out of the country.

"Anything you invest in Nigeria, you will go back with profits,"

he told the envoy.

Vowles said his visit was to pass on goodwill to the leadership of the National Assembly and to restate Britain's commitment to the relationship.

He said his government has asked him to keep deepening the partnership, and that the UK will continue to work with both chambers of the National Assembly wherever Nigeria wants British support.

No new agreements were announced at the meeting. The talks point to closer parliamentary ties and more British investment interest, but Nigerians will wait to see whether either translates into concrete deals or laws.