Nigeria reached out to Canada on Thursday to secure advanced mining technology and foreign investment, marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reform the nation’s solid minerals sector. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, received Pasquale Salvaggio, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, in Abuja where both officials discussed avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting built upon decades of diplomatic engagement between both nations. Alake recalled Canada’s steadfast support during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He noted that Canada’s principled stance during that period galvanized international backing for democratic restoration, which culminated in the return to civil rule in 1999.
“Canada stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people during our pro-democracy struggle,” Alake stated. “The cooperation we enjoyed from the Canadian High Commission was exemplary and deeply encouraging. We regarded Canada as an archetypal pro-democracy ally.”
The Minister outlined specific areas where Nigeria required Canadian assistance. He emphasized the need for technology transfer to support rapid sector development, alongside capacity building for mining professionals and the formalization of artisanal mining operations. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of joint efforts to de-risk the mining environment and attract foreign direct investment.
Alake presented several investment incentives designed to attract Canadian capital. These included tax waivers on imported mining equipment, full profit repatriation after statutory obligations, and additional fiscal measures aimed at creating an investor-friendly climate.
Salvaggio welcomed Nigeria’s acknowledgment of Canada’s historical role in its democratic journey. He commended the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation, describing the initiative as a strategic move capable of boosting investor confidence and catalyzing sectoral growth.
The High Commissioner noted that Nigeria currently ranks as Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could become Canada’s largest African trading partner within five to ten years, citing the nation’s dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Nigeria is currently the sixth-largest recipient of Canadian development cooperation globally, which underscores the depth of our partnership,” Salvaggio remarked.
The Canadian delegation proposed specific mechanisms to operationalize the partnership. Salvaggio urged the Nigerian government to revisit and ratify the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), stating that its ratification would significantly enhance investor confidence and guarantee investment security.
He also conveyed Canada’s willingness to expand capacity-building initiatives, including replicating the 2025 training programme for Nigerian mining professionals at the University of Calgary, Alberta. Additional technical exchange programmes would deepen expertise in modern mining practices.
Alake responded that while the FIPA predated the current administration, the Federal Government stood ready to review and expedite its ratification process. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to attracting increased foreign direct investment as a pathway to economic growth and job creation.
