Nigeria, Canada Deepen Bilateral Ties on Trade, Security, Renewable Energy
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors including trade, renewable energy, education, security, mining, and technology.
This was the outcome of a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, during a courtesy visit held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Thursday.
During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic ties and explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration in critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, fintech, education, artificial intelligence, mining, and peace and security.
Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the visit as timely, particularly as Nigeria continues to implement economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting sustainable growth. She highlighted the country’s vast investment opportunities in renewable energy, digital innovation, solid minerals, and the creative industry, while encouraging increased Canadian participation in Nigeria’s economy.
The minister also stressed the need for stronger cooperation in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, and regional security efforts, noting that insecurity and violent extremism remain major threats to economic stability and development across the region.
In his remarks, Sarai commended Nigeria’s strategic role on the African continent and acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora community in Canada toward strengthening relations between both countries.
He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting development initiatives in education, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth. The Canadian official further expressed readiness to deepen partnerships with Nigeria in renewable energy, nuclear technology, artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, mining, and educational exchange programmes.
Both sides also discussed the implementation of key bilateral agreements, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which are expected to enhance trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both countries to sustain high-level engagements and strengthen strategic partnerships aimed at promoting mutual prosperity, regional stability, and sustainable development.
