The Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has braced Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria. During a working visit to Canada, Mr. Tuggar had a prior engagement with various stakeholders to advance bilateral relations.
In a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, Mr. Tuggar focused attention on Nigeria’s position as Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa and called for further trade expansion in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). Joly expressed Canada’s support for socio-economic development in Nigeria and the region. Both countries agreed to finalize outstanding Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), including the bilateral Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA), ahead of the Canadian Trade Mission to Nigeria in June 2024.
The ministers also discussed regional security in Africa. Joly applauded Nigeria’s leadership role and offered Canada’s support in strengthening stability and democracy in West Africa. They agreed to collaborate on various regional and global issues, including peaceful conflict resolution, multilateral reform, and countering disinformation.
Mr. Tuggar also met with the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF) to discuss bilateral and regional issues. He explained Nigeria’s 4-D foreign policy thrust and developments in ECOWAS and the AFCFTA implementation. He further explored avenues for enhanced partnership with Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant on multilateral reform, African security, education, healthcare, trade, and investment, particularly in mining, metals refining, energy, and the digital economy.
Mr. Tuggar’s visit included meetings with the leadership of Carleton University, where he discussed partnerships with Nigerian universities and toured technology and innovation facilities. He also met with the President of the Business Council of Canada (BCC) to explore opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure. The BCC is considering a visit to Nigeria later this year.
Additionally, Mr. Tuggar met with the Canadian Parliamentary Secretary on Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu, to discuss expanding bilateral trade. He highlighted the link between democracy, stability, and sustainable growth, especially in the context of the AFCFTA. Sidhu affirmed Canada’s support for Nigeria’s economic development. They also explored partnerships in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Chinedum Anayo 
saharandaily