Speaker Abbas Pushes Africa–Asia Trade, Green Energy, Digital Ties

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger trade and investment frameworks between Africa and Asia, particularly in green energy and digital economies, to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Abbas made the call on Monday in Beirut, Lebanon, during the First General Meeting of the Asian–African Parliamentary Council, which he approved earlier this year. The two-day event, holding September 8–9, is hosted at the Lebanese Parliament.

Addressing lawmakers from both continents, the Speaker said the Council provides “a timely platform for parliamentary collaboration amid evolving global dynamics characterised by shifting geopolitics, multipolarity, and nationalistic economic policies.”

“I urge us all to prioritise establishing frameworks for investment, trade, and the exchange of ideas. Africa’s resources should complement Asia’s progress in green energy and digital economies. In a changing world, our parliaments must lead the way in fostering partnerships based on opportunity and innovation,” Abbas said.

He stressed that the Council will enable Africa and Asia to tackle shared challenges, including climate change, inequality, and sustainable development, while amplifying their collective voice in global affairs.

According to a statement by his SA media, Musa Kirish, the Speaker said the country is keen to contribute constructively to the Council’s agenda, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that Nigeria’s recent admission as a BRICS partner country underscores its drive to deepen South–South cooperation and expand economic opportunities with Asian nations.

The Speaker also highlighted Nigeria’s history of Afro-Asian solidarity, from its role in the African Union and Non-Aligned Movement to participation in platforms like the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

Abbas further outlined the Nigerian legislature’s ongoing reforms, including support for subsidy removal to fund infrastructure and education, passage of laws on human rights and gender-based violence, and the introduction of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill to boost female representation.

He also noted the House’s adoption of technology and AI to enhance parliamentary transparency and efficiency.

The Beirut meeting featured contributions from senior lawmakers across Asia and Africa, including Iraqi Deputy Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri, and Mauritania’s First Vice-President of Parliament, Sid’ni Soukhona.

Participants adopted the draft agenda of the Council, debated its role in strengthening international blocs, and reviewed a strategic plan and final communiqué.