Canada – Nigeria Relations

Canada in Nigeria

Canada and Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1962, shortly after Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

In Nigeria, Canada is represented by its High Commission in Abuja (previously in Lagos from 1962 to 1997), as well as a Deputy High Commission located in Lagos.

Since 2004, Canada has been an Honorary Consul in Port Harcourt.

Nigeria in Canada
Nigeria is represented in Canada by a High Commission in Canada, which opened in Ottawa in 1973.

Common Memberships
Commonwealth
Global Counter-Terrorism Forum
World Trade Organization
Nigerian Students in Canada
In 2018, Canada welcomed more than 11,000 Nigerian students. Nigeria was Canada’s most important source of international students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Trade and Investments
Trade Relations
In 2018, Nigeria was Canada’s second-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with bilateral merchandise trade totaling $948.4 million.

In 2018, Canadian merchandise imports from Nigeria totaled $480.5 million.

Canada’s main imports consist of mineral fuels and oils, cocoa, rubber, lead, and processed foods.

In 2018, Canada’s exports to Nigeria totaled $467.9 million – making Nigeria our second-largest export market in Africa.

Canada exports a wide range of products, including vehicles and equipment, wheat, manufacturing equipment, software, aircraft, and cars.

Trade Agreements
A Double Taxation Agreement entered into force in 1999.
A Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) was signed on May 6, 2015, in Abuja, but the ratification process still has not been completed.
Development and Humanitarian Assistance
In 2017-2018, Canada’s development assistance to Nigeria reached $133.78 million.

Canada’s bilateral development assistance in Nigeria targets the following action areas from the Feminist International Assistance Policy: 1) human dignity, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, and 2) growth that works for everyone.

Canada is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in Nigeria and is concerned about the plight of civilian populations affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, both in Nigeria and throughout the Lake Chad Basin.

Canada is committed to working with international partners to help respond to humanitarian needs in Nigeria as well as those of Nigerian refugees and host communities in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

Canada supports UN agencies, the International Red Cross­/Red Crescent Movement, and international non-governmental organizations to address humanitarian needs in Nigeria. Canada’s funding provides vulnerable populations, including women and children, with life-saving assistance, including food, acute malnutrition treatment, clean water, health care, protection services, and support for livelihoods.

See Project Browser for additional information on development and humanitarian programming in Nigeria

Peace and Security
Canada is also providing security assistance in Nigeria:

Global Partnership Program (GPP): strengthening biological security in Nigeria;

Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building (CTCB) Program: training on investigation techniques, and on post- explosion investigation techniques in accordance with international standards and human rights;

Regional technical assistance: strengthening border control, criminal justice systems, and the capacity of law enforcement authorities to prevent and address terrorism in the region.

https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/peace_security-paix_securite/capacity_building-renforcement_capacites.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.25627509.998672740.1636964184-1643132385.1636385028