Nigeria and Canada have reaffirmed the strength of the longstanding Nigeria–Canada partnership and explored fresh opportunities for collaboration across trade, security, migration, and cultural exchange.
Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced renewed momentum in Nigeria–Canada relations following a high-level meeting.
In a statement, Mr Ebienfa noted that the Director of Regions at the Ministry, Ambassador Bukar Hamman, received the Director-General of the West Africa and Maghreb Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, Ms Susan Steffan and her accompanying delegation for strategic bilateral discussions.
The meeting underscored mutual respect and shared priorities.
Ms Steffan described the relationship as “very strong and positive,” noting that the delegation’s visit began in Lagos, an experience she referred to as “a big bang,” reflecting the immense economic potential and dynamic business environment that continues to attract Canadian and Nigerian enterprises alike.
Discussions highlighted the vibrant human connections between the two countries.
With more than 82,000 Canadians of Nigerian origin, Steffan emphasised the enriching contributions of this growing community, alongside the increasing number of Nigerian students and professionals shaping Canada’s economic and cultural landscape.
Trade relations featured prominently, with Nigeria calling for expanded trade volume and both sides expressing optimism about reactivating negotiation instruments and market-opening agreements.
According to Ms Steffan, these agreements would send “a strong market signal” to investors and boost confidence for companies operating across both markets.
The Canadian delegation also referenced recent Nigerian business missions to Canada, from energy exhibitions in Alberta to creative industry showcases in Toronto, as evidence of intensifying commercial synergy.
Migration cooperation was another central theme, particularly the ongoing work on a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding designed to promote structured, mutually agreed migration pathways.
The Canadian envoy reaffirmed Canada’s willingness to continue refining this framework in partnership with Nigerian authorities.
Cultural discussions added a personal dimension to the engagement, touching on traditional Nigerian attire, family histories, and Canada’s evolving demographic landscape.
Ms Steffan noted that Canada’s population has “doubled in recent decades,” largely due to immigration, a transformation that has “significantly changed the country for the better,” deepening ties with nations like Nigeria through dynamic and influential diasporic communities.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic and collaborative note, with both delegations expressing commitment to sustained dialogue, closer cooperation, and strengthening long-term people-to-people relationships.