Speaker Abbas Seeks Stronger Nigeria–EU Parliamentary Partnership

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger and more strategic partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU), anchored on mutual respect, shared priorities, and practical cooperation between both parliaments.

He stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The Speaker, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the time had come to deepen inter-parliamentary relations beyond formal diplomacy.

He urged the European Parliament to collaborate with Nigeria’s National Assembly in legislative exchange programmes, joint committee sessions, and thematic peer-learning platforms that would focus on critical areas such as climate legislation, digital governance, trade policy, and democratic accountability.

“We need a partnership of equals, one that reflects concrete action in solving shared challenges and building a prosperous future,” the Speaker said.

Tajudeen proposed the establishment of a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Nigeria–EU Relations, which he said would provide a structured platform for dialogue, policy alignment, and mutual accountability on commitments made at executive levels.

A statement by the special Adviser on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, said he also called for the upgrade of the existing Nigeria–EU Dialogue Mechanism to include a parliamentary track that allows for annual consultations between legislators from both sides.

“This will ensure that legislatures the true representatives of the people, are at the centre of shaping and monitoring our partnership,” he added.

Recalling his participation at the EU Parliament–Pan-African Parliament Roundtable in Brussels earlier this year, the Speaker restated that the foundation of Africa–Europe cooperation should focus on investment and innovation rather than migration.

“The solution is not for Africans to migrate to Europe, but for European industry, technology, and capital to migrate to Africa. That remains the foundation of Nigeria’s vision for partnership,” he said.

Tajudeen also proposed joint thematic roundtables between both parliaments on emerging global priorities such as green transition and critical minerals governance, ensuring that legislative action remains inclusive and evidence-based.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, said the delegation’s visit was aimed at strengthening political and economic ties and exploring new areas of collaboration between the EU and Nigeria.