As the world undergoes significant changes in the international order, nations have become future-focused and change-oriented in the crucial need to establish resilient bilateral relations to navigate the increasingly competitive landscape and dynamic economies.
Nigeria has taken steps to strengthen bilateral ties with Canada. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar's working visit to Canada was a significant diplomatic event in this ongoing effort to enhance the relationship between the two countries.
The envoy's first port of call was the Wellington building, where he met with the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association. Senator Amina Gerba warmly received his delegation in the company of members of Parliament. The meeting was a testament to the mutual recognition of Nigeria and Canada's strategic roles. The discussion centered
around Nigeria's foreign policy, Nigeria-Canada Relations, and issues related to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Canadian members of Parliament acknowledged Nigeria as a strategic key player in the sub-region and Africa and recognized the two countries' mutual strategic importance. This recognition further solidified the valuable relationship between the two countries.
The discussions were focused and productive during the meeting with Robert Oliphant, the parliamentary secretary to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The topics ranged from African security to the digital economy, trade, and investment. This exchange of ideas demonstrated the shared commitment of Nigeria and Canada to cooperation and development.
At Carleton University, one of the educational institutions where Nigerians have earned the position of the fastest-growing student population, the Minister engaged in highly productive discussions with the institution's leadership. The focus was on exploring more opportunities for research collaboration between institutions in Nigeria and Canada, indicating a promising future for academic partnerships. The meeting delved into the role of Artificial intelligence and its application for community and local value programs.
Additionally, the digital entrepreneurship program between Nigeria and Canada, as outlined by Professor Tony Bialetti, Director of Carleton's Technology Innovation Management (TIM) master's program, was a prominent topic of conversation. Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar emphasized partnerships that extend to rural areas in Nigeria, where a critical mass of intelligent young people is eager to gain from Carleton's entrepreneurship initiatives.
The team touched base with Dr Otiono and his team to hear more about the activities. The visit brought back fond memories of Pius Adesunmi as it coincided with the fifth anniversary of his death.
The climax of the Minister's visit was the high-powered meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly. She commended Nigeria's strong leadership in West Africa through its chair of ECOWAS, which has contributed to peace and protection of democratic governance in the region even as the leadership continues to work on accelerated development in the area.
The multifaceted rapport between Nigeria and Canada dominated the discussions, focusing on trade and investment opportunities and shared interests. Nigeria's Minister Tuggar shared his opinion on how Canada can support peace, security, and democratic efforts in West Africa. His Canadian counterpart, Joly welcomed the initiative and discussed negotiating a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement (FIPA).
The visit coincides with the 62nd anniversary of Nigeria-Canada diplomatic relations.