Nigeria has reiterated its drive to strengthen mining sector reforms through strategic collaboration with Canada, drawing on the country’s cutting-edge mining technology and globally acclaimed expertise.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this known while hosting the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Reflecting on historical ties, the Minister recalled Canada’s principled support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He noted that Canada’s firm position helped galvanize international backing for democratic restoration, culminating in Nigeria’s 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 a model 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.
Dr. Alake reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to partner with Canada to de-risk the mining environment, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), enhance capacity building for mining professionals, formalise and regulate artisanal mining activities, and promote technology transfer to accelerate sectoral development.
Highlighting investor-friendly incentives, the Minister listed tax waivers on imported mining equipment, full repatriation of profits upon fulfillment of statutory obligations such as taxes and royalties, and other fiscal measures designed to create a competitive and attractive investment climate.
In his remarks, Ambassador Salvaggio expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s acknowledgment of Canada’s historic role in its democratic journey and commended the Minister for recognising Canada’s leadership in the global mining industry.
He noted that Nigeria remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and said the vast potential to expand bilateral trade, particularly in mining.
The Ambassador also praised the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC), describing it as a strategic initiative capable of boosting investor confidence and catalyzing growth across the sector.
Ambassador Salvaggio highlighted the strong ties between Canada and the Nigerian diaspora, stating 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 stated.
The Ambassador further reaffirmed the High Commission’s readiness to facilitate increased Canadian investment in Nigeria.
He encouraged the Federal Government to revisit the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), noting that its ratification would significantly enhance investor confidence and guarantee investment security.
Expand Capacity Building
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 in Alberta, alongside additional technical exchange programmes to deepen expertise in modern mining practices.
In response, the Minister acknowledged that while the FIPA predates the current administration, the Federal Government is prepared to review and expedite its ratification.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to attracting increased Foreign Direct Investment as a pathway to economic growth and large-scale job creation for Nigeria’s youth population.
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Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group to identify priority areas of cooperation within the mining sector and develop actionable timelines to ensure measurable outcomes from the renewed bilateral engagement.