The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Canada to strengthen ongoing reforms in the nation’s mining sector. The minister highlighted the need for bilateral cooperation to accelerate growth, attract investment, and adopt global best practices.

Speaking on Thursday while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, Alake recalled Canada’s historic support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, noting that Canada’s principled stance helped galvanize international support for the return to civil rule in 1999.

Alake stressed that Nigeria is committed to partnering with Canada to de-risk the mining environment, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), formalize and regulate artisanal mining, and facilitate technology transfer. He also outlined investment incentives, including tax waivers on imported mining equipment and full repatriation of profits after meeting statutory obligations.

Ambassador Salvaggio commended Nigeria for recognizing Canada’s leadership in mining and highlighted the potential to expand bilateral trade, particularly in the mining sector. He also urged the Nigerian government to revisit the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), noting that its ratification would enhance investor confidence.

Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group to identify priority areas for cooperation and develop timelines to ensure measurable outcomes from the partnership.

The meeting reflects Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to attract investment and modernize its mining sector, with a focus on job creation, capacity building, and sustainable sectoral growth.