Mining Sector: Nigeria Seeks Investor Friendly Collaboration With Canada

Nigeria is seeking deeper collaboration with Canada to accelerate reforms and attract investment into its mining sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, stated this during a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, in Abuja.

Alake said Nigeria is ready to leverage Canada’s advanced mining technology and regulatory expertise to modernize the industry, formalize artisanal mining, promote technology transfer, and create a more investor-friendly environment.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through policy reforms and incentives, including tax waivers on mining equipment and guaranteed profit repatriation after statutory obligations.

The Minister also expressed readiness to review and expedite the ratification of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) to strengthen investor confidence.

In his response, Salvaggio commended Nigeria’s mining reforms and welcomed the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC), describing it as a step toward boosting investor trust.

He noted that Nigeria is Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and expressed optimism about expanding trade relations, particularly in mining.

Both countries agreed to set up a joint working group to identify priority areas and ensure concrete outcomes from the renewed partnership.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s drive to position mining as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji