Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic relations with Nigeria, unveiling an expanded cooperation agenda focused on agriculture, renewable energy, mining, healthcare, innovation and skills development as both countries seek to strengthen economic growth and long-term prosperity.
Speaking at the 2026 Canada Day celebration in Abuja on Wednesday, Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires, David Sproule, described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies and a key strategic partner under Canada’s renewed engagement with the continent.
He said the growing partnership is being driven by Canada’s new Africa Strategy, which is designed to foster mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, shared prosperity and collective security.
Sproule noted that bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly in recent years, spanning healthcare, education, governance, women’s empowerment, trade, innovation and security, while sustained high-level diplomatic engagements have further consolidated relations between both countries.
According to the envoy, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development visited Nigeria in May, where discussions with government officials centred on advancing shared development priorities, strengthening trade and expanding economic cooperation.
He disclosed that Canadian development assistance continues to improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen health institutions and workforce capacity, create employment opportunities, support entrepreneurs and rural communities, promote women’s leadership, and contribute to Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms.
Sproule said Canada intends to sustain these investments while broadening collaboration in sectors considered critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation, particularly agriculture, clean energy, mining, innovation and workforce development.
Describing the relationship as one that extends well beyond official diplomacy, the Canadian envoy highlighted the role of one of Canada’s largest African diaspora communities, noting that Nigerians in Canada continue to make significant contributions to the country’s economic and social development while strengthening commercial and cultural links between both nations.
He also underscored the growing commercial partnership between Canada and Nigeria, pointing to the sixth Canada-Africa Business Conference held recently in Lagos, which attracted 220 participants, including representatives of 31 Canadian companies.
According to him, the conference reflected growing confidence among Canadian businesses in Nigeria’s investment potential and reinforced their commitment to building long-term partnerships with Nigerian enterprises and institutions.
Beyond trade and investment, Sproule said Canada remains committed to strengthening people-to-people ties through education, sports and cultural exchanges.
He referenced Canada’s role as co-host of the ongoing FIFA Men’s World Cup alongside Mexico and the United States, noting that several members of the Canadian national team are of Nigerian heritage, including a player born in Abuja.
The envoy also cited a recent diplomatic football tournament in Abuja as an example of how sports can foster inclusion, strengthen community engagement and deepen international friendship.
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s Canada Day celebration, Sproule noted that it marked the Canadian High Commission’s first national day event since 2023 following the tragic attack that claimed the life of a staff member, Okon Okra.
He said the mission had transformed the tragedy into an opportunity to enhance security and modernise its facilities, reaffirming Canada’s enduring commitment and presence in Nigeria.
Against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty, Sproule stressed the importance of stronger international partnerships in addressing shared challenges and unlocking new economic opportunities.
He expressed confidence that Canada-Nigeria relations would continue to flourish through closer collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society organisations, investors, students and professionals.
The envoy concluded by thanking Nigerian partners, members of the diplomatic community and staff of Canada’s missions in Abuja and Lagos for their continued support in advancing bilateral relations, before proposing a toast to the enduring friendship and expanding strategic partnership between Canada and Nigeria.
