The Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, has called for a stronger relationship between the parliaments of Nigeria and Britain, particularly in legislation.

Mr Akpabio made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday when the British high commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit. He acknowledged the long historic ties between the two countries and said the relationship should be sustained.

“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,” Mr Akpabio said.

He added, “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.”

According to him, Nigeria wants to deepen the relationship. Nigeria wants exchange programmes that will expand the relationship between the Nigerian Parliament as a whole and the United Kingdom.

Mr Akpabio also solicited investment in oil and mining.

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

Mr Vowles said his visit was to extend warm regards to the leadership of Nigeria’s parliament and deepen the UK-Nigeria relationship.

(NAN)