The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has initiated collaborations between Nigeria and Algeria on power and education through inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries.

Parliamentary diplomacy: Speaker Abbas initiates Nigeria-Algeria power, education deals

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has initiated collaborations between Nigeria and Algeria on power and education through inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries.

While hosting the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Hocine Mezoued, Speaker Abbas recalled that the Nigerian delegation, which he led to Algeria in October 2025, had bilateral agreements with top officials of the Algerian government, especially on Nigeria’s power sector.

The Speaker recalled that Ambassador Mezoued invited the House to Algeria during his first visit, leading to the visit to the North African country in October 2025, “and we had a very fantastic outing.”

He said, “We discussed too many matters of mutual interest between the parliaments of Nigeria and Algeria. We came up with several resolutions, some of which we are still trying to fine-tune and develop, and extended a letter of invitation as well to the Speaker of the Algerian Parliament to also visit Nigeria. It was part of the agreements.”

Speaker Abbas disclosed that part of the agreements was the extension of scholarships to Nigeria. “We were told that it was something that we would be able to conclude within a month… it is almost six months now or more. We are yet to bring a closure to that particular issue,” he said.

The Speaker, however, added, “We are appealing, since all the scholarships are usually coming through your embassy here in Nigeria, that you please take this as a very important request. That issue of scholarships is still very fresh. We in the parliament are very passionate about it, and we are looking to redeeming or fulfilling that particular pledge taken in Nigeria.”

Speaker Abbas also recalled discussions about the establishment of mini grids in Nigeria, which are a major source of energy in Algeria.

Speaking on the contest for the leadership of the APU, the Speaker said Nigeria would be willing to support the Algerian candidate for the presidency.

He said, “Concerning the requests that you made concerning the presidency of the African Parliamentary Union, I want to assure you as a person, I am 100 per cent in support of you, but I need to also consult my parliamentary brothers to ensure that we are all in support of you as a group and legislature.

“But, you can take it from me that, for me as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am in complete agreement with and support of the candidature of your person. Within the next few days and week, we will engage with all the relevant parliamentary representatives to push the agenda.”

Speaker Abbas noted that he might invite Ambassador Mezoued again to formally address a larger audience of parliamentary stakeholders.

The Speaker thanked Ambassador Mezoued for visiting him the second time within one year and for being “a good friend to the Nigerian parliament and government.” He also stated the willingness of the Nigerian Parliament to lobby other African legislatures for the Algerian candidate.

Speaker Abbas condoled the Algerian Ambassador over the demise of his predecessor.

Earlier, Ambassador Mezoued said his two visits to the Speaker in one year were majorly about “the best ways and means to develop cooperation between our two countries.”

The Algerian Ambassador extended the condolences of the people and the government of Algeria over the demise of the Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, a career diplomat from Kano State. “We deeply mourn the significant loss,” he said, adding that the embassy has scheduled a condolence visit to the deceased’s family and community.

Ambassador Mezoued also commended Speaker Abbas for the creation of Nigeria-Algeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, which he said has strengthened diplomatic ties between the countries.

While the Algerian Ambassador assured Speaker Abbas of the scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic session, the envoy said a delegation from Nigeria will visit Algeria on energy and power.

“Nigeria will be a priority for us,” Ambassador Mezoued stated, urging the Speaker to kick-start the process through the Nigerian Minister of Power.