Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for legislative exchange programmes between the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria for the benefit of the two countries.

Akpabio made the call while receiving the Ambassador of Ireland, Peter Ryan, and his entourage in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

A statement issued on Friday by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying: “We have a lot to learn and gain from Ireland because we operate the same bicameral legislature.

“It would be good we work together for the mutual benefit of the two countries. We can learn a lot through exchange of parliamentary ideas and programmes in order to build capacity for our lawmakers.

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“We also need a lot of assistance from Ireland in the area of funding. The President Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is doing a lot in the area of security, but we still need international support.

“It would be a pleasant thing if we work together in the area of lawmaking, bills drafting and oversighting. I believe by the time we are 50 years in democracy, other nations will also come to learn from us.”

Speaking, Ryan said the Irish government is fortunate to have Nigerians residing in Ireland, who he said are contributing their quota to the development of the two countries.

“It is because of this wonderful relationship that we are here today and to assure you that we are ready to cooperate and support the leadership of this country in any area possible,” he added.

The Ambassador promised to collaborate with Nigeria in the area of human capital development, saying: “There is great value in uniting and working together as democracies. Nigerians resident in Ireland are law abiding people and contributing their best to the development of Ireland. They have left us with educational legacies.

“I am delighted to be here, to pay respect as your tenure commences as the President of the Nigerian Senate.

“You have ahead of you, some of the challenges facing Nigeria, but with your track records, you will give it all it takes to surmount them. I look forward to working together with you.”

The Star