The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Canada as part of efforts to fast-track reforms and unlock greater value in the nation’s mining sector.
Alake made this known on Thursday while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, in his office, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
He said Nigeria is ready to leverage Canada’s advanced mining technology and globally recognised expertise to consolidate ongoing reforms, attract investment and entrench international best practices in the sector.
Recalling Canada’s principled support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the minister noted that Canada’s stance helped galvanise global backing for democratic restoration, culminating in the return to civil rule in 1999.
“Canada stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people during our pro-democracy struggle. The cooperation we enjoyed from the Canadian High Commission was exemplary and deeply encouraging. We regarded Canada as an archetypal pro-democracy ally. Today, we are committed to strengthening that relationship, particularly in mining and mineral development, where Canada’s global reputation for excellence is well established,” the Minister stated.
Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to partner with Canada to de-risk the mining environment, attract foreign direct investment, build capacity for mining professionals, formalise and regulate artisanal mining, and promote technology transfer to accelerate sectoral development.
He highlighted investment incentives introduced by the Federal Government, including tax waivers on imported mining equipment, full repatriation of profits after meeting statutory obligations such as taxes and royalties, and other fiscal measures designed to create an investor-friendly climate.
In his remarks, Ambassador Salvaggio expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s acknowledgement of Canada’s historic role in its democratic journey and commended the minister for recognising Canada’s leadership in the global mining industry.
He observed that Nigeria remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and noted the significant potential to expand bilateral trade, particularly in the mining sector. He also lauded the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC), describing it as a strategic initiative capable of boosting investor confidence and catalysing growth.
The envoy further highlighted the strong ties between Canada and the Nigerian diaspora, adding that both countries are richly endowed with natural resources that can be optimally harnessed through strengthened cooperation.
“I am confident that Nigeria could become Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa within the next five to ten years, given its dynamism, entrepreneurial spirit, and commercial outlook. Nigeria is currently the sixth-largest recipient of Canadian development cooperation globally, which underscores the depth of our partnership,” he said.
Ambassador Salvaggio also emphasised the High Commission’s readiness to facilitate increased Canadian investment in Nigeria and urged the minister to revisit the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), noting that its ratification would significantly enhance investor confidence and guarantee investment security.
He 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, alongside additional technical exchange programmes to deepen expertise in modern mining practices.
Responding, the minister acknowledged that although the FIPA predates the current administration, the Federal Government is prepared to review and expedite its ratification. He reiterated the unwavering commitment of Bola Tinubu to attracting increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a pathway to economic growth and job creation for the country’s teeming youth population.
Both countries agreed to establish a joint working group to identify priority areas of cooperation within the mining sector and develop actionable timelines to ensure tangible outcomes from the renewed bilateral engagement.
