The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, today, Thursday, 21 May 2026, received the Secretary of State for International Development of Canada, Honourable Randeep Sarai, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, on a courtesy visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada. 

During the meeting, both Nigeria and Canada reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries and discussed ways of expanding cooperation in critical sectors including trade and investment, renewable energy, education, technology, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, peace and security, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

The Honourable Minister described the visit as timely and significant, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and efforts aimed at creating a more conducive environment for foreign investment and sustainable economic growth.

Ojukwu also highlighted the vast opportunities available in Nigeria’s renewable energy, digital innovation, fintech, solid minerals, and creative sectors, while encouraging greater Canadian investment in the country.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional security cooperation, noting that insecurity and violent extremism continue to pose challenges to economic stability and livelihoods within the region.

In his remarks, Honourable Randeep Sarai commended Nigeria’s strategic importance on the African continent and acknowledged the growing 

strength of Nigeria-Canada relations, particularly through the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community in Canada. He reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting development initiatives focused on education, climate resilience, women's empowerment, youth development, and sustainable economic cooperation.

The Canadian Secretary of State further expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen partnerships with Nigeria in areas such as renewable energy, mining, nuclear technology, artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and educational exchanges. He also emphasised the importance of enhancing trade frameworks and improving cooperation in migration management and law enforcement to facilitate legitimate travel and business engagements between both countries.

Both parties also discussed the implementation of bilateral agreements, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which are expected to further boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to sustaining high-level engagements and strengthening strategic cooperation for mutual economic prosperity, regional stability, and sustainable development.