The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, reiterates Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Canada to deepen ongoing reforms in the mining sector, attract foreign investment, and entrench global best practices in mineral development.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the minister makes the call while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, at his office in Abuja. The engagement focuses on expanding collaboration between Nigeria and Canada in mining technology, capacity building, and sectoral investment.
Alake underscores the need to leverage Canada’s advanced mining technology and expertise to accelerate Nigeria’s mining reforms. He highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the sector as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. According to him, enhanced cooperation will help de-risk the investment environment and promote responsible mining practices.
Mediaplusng.com gathers that the minister also reflects on historical ties between both nations, recalling Canada’s support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He notes that Canada’s stance contributes to international backing for Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999, describing the country as a longstanding democratic ally.
The minister reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the mining industry through policy reforms and fiscal incentives. These measures include tax waivers on imported mining equipment, guarantees for full repatriation of profits after statutory obligations, and structured initiatives to formalize and regulate artisanal mining operations. He emphasizes that technology transfer and professional capacity development remain central to the reform agenda.
Mediaplusng.com understands that Ambassador Salvaggio commends Nigeria’s acknowledgment of Canada’s role in its democratic journey and highlights Canada’s global leadership in the mining sector. He observes that Nigeria is currently Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and notes strong potential to expand bilateral trade, particularly in solid minerals development.
The ambassador also lauds the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC), describing it as a strategic step toward boosting investor confidence and driving growth in the sector. He points to the strong ties between Canada and the Nigerian diaspora, adding that both countries are richly endowed with natural resources that can be harnessed through enhanced cooperation.
Salvaggio expresses optimism that Nigeria could emerge as Canada’s largest African trading partner within the next five to ten years, citing Nigeria’s entrepreneurial capacity and commercial dynamism. He highlights that Nigeria ranks among the top recipients of Canadian development cooperation globally, underscoring the depth of bilateral relations.
On investment security, the ambassador urges a review of the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), stating that its ratification would strengthen investor confidence and safeguard investments. He further conveys Canada’s willingness to expand capacity-building initiatives, including replicating specialized training programmes for Nigerian mining professionals at institutions such as the University of Calgary in Alberta, alongside broader technical exchange programmes.
In response, Minister Alake affirms that although the FIPA predates the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government is prepared to review and expedite its ratification process. He reiterates President Tinubu’s commitment to attracting increased FDI as a pathway to economic growth and employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth population.
Both parties agree 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 Nigeria–Canada partnership. The meeting signals a strategic push to strengthen international collaboration, modernize Nigeria’s mining industry, and position the country as a competitive global destination for mineral investment.
