Canadian business leaders complete successful trade and investment mission to Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria – A delegation of Canadian business leaders has just completed a successful trade and investment mission to Nigeria – Africa’s most populous country.

The mission marked the first official visit by the Business Council of Canada (BCC) to Nigeria, and the delegation included Victor Dodig, President and CEO of CIBC and Chair of the BCC, BCC President and CEO Goldy Hyder, and BCC members from Cameco Corporation, OMERS, GardaWorld, and Mattamy Asset Management Inc. They met with representatives from Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

“As Canada seeks to diversify trade and investment, Africa is an important opportunity given its growth potential,” said Mr. Dodig. “Canada’s expertise in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure and finance make us natural partners as Nigeria explores more opportunities to enhance the prosperity of its citizens.” 

This mission comes more than four years after the BCC released Why Africa?, which identified Nigeria as one of the top three countries on the continent for expanding Canadian trade and investment. The report also called on the federal government to develop a comprehensive economic and development strategy for Africa.

“Nearly three years ago, the government committed to developing an economic cooperation strategy for Africa. We urge the government to follow through with this commitment and we encourage both countries to work together on finalizing a bilateral investment agreement to bring greater certainty and strengthen our economic ties,” said Mr. Hyder.