The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has underscored Nigeria\u2019s readiness to leverage Canada\u2019s advanced mining technology and expertise to strengthen ongoing reforms in the nation\u2019s mining sector.<\/p>\n
He emphasized the imperative of enhanced bilateral collaboration to accelerate growth, attract investment, and entrench global best practices in the industry.<\/p>\n
Speaking while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E Pasquale Salvaggio, in his office on Thursday, Alake reflected on history, recalling Canada\u2019s principled support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He noted that Canada\u2019s firm stance galvanized international backing for democratic restoration, culminating in the return to civil rule in 1999.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanada 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\u2019s global reputation for excellence is well established,\u201d the Minister stated.<\/p>\n
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria\u2019s commitment to partnering with Canada to de-risk the mining environment, attract foreign direct investment, enhance capacity building for mining professionals, formalize and regulate artisanal mining, and promote technology transfer to support the rapid development of the sector.<\/p>\n
Highlighting investment incentives, Alake listed 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.<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Ambassador Salvaggio expressed appreciation for Nigeria\u2019s acknowledgment of Canada\u2019s historic role in the country\u2019s democratic journey and commended the Minister for recognizing Canada\u2019s leadership in the global mining industry.<\/p>\n
He observed that Nigeria remains Canada\u2019s second-largest trading partner in Africa, noting significant potential to expand bilateral trade across key sectors, particularly mining. He also lauded the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC), describing it as a strategic initiative capable of boosting investor confidence and catalyzing sectoral growth.<\/p>\n
The Ambassador highlighted the strong ties between Canada and the Nigerian diaspora, adding that both nations are richly endowed with natural resources that can be optimally harnessed through strengthened cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am confident that Nigeria could become Canada\u2019s 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Salvaggio further emphasized the High Commission\u2019s readiness to facilitate increased Canadian investment in Nigeria, urging 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.<\/p>\n
He also conveyed Canada\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
In response, the Minister acknowledged that while the FIPA predates the current administration, the Federal Government is prepared to review and expedite its ratification process. He reiterated the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to attracting increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a pathway to economic growth and job creation for the nation\u2019s teeming youth population.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Segun Tomori, anipr, FSCA<\/p>\n
Special Assistant on Media
\nto the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development<\/p>\n
26th February, 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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