Joint Communiqué of the Sixth Session of the Canada-Nigeria Binational Commission

September 20, 2024

The sixth Session of the Canada-Nigeria Binational Commission was held in Ottawa, Canada, on September 20, 2024. Hosted by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mr. David Morrison, the meeting was co-chaired by the Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, OON, and the Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs at Global Affairs Canada, Ms. Cheryl Urban.

This high-level bilateral meeting between Canada and Nigeria reinforced the strong relationship and close collaboration of both countries, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, migration, development, supporting democracy, peace and security.

Canada and Nigeria discussed opportunities to enhance our mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. Both countries expressed their commitment to continue discussions on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which can help lay the foundation for strengthened bilateral commercial relations by encouraging reciprocal investments, for the benefit of both Canadians and Nigerians.

As signatories to the Global Compact for Migration, Canada and Nigeria reiterated their commitment toward safe, orderly and regular migration. Both sides highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties and expressed their commitment to collaboration on border and migration issues, agreeing to continue discussions, including technical-level meetings.

Canada commended Nigeria’s regional efforts to support and promote democracy and counter-terrorism. Both countries discussed the effects of regional and international conflicts and reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy.

Canada and Nigeria discussed the ongoing insecurity and natural disasters affecting parts of Nigeria, such as the flooding in Borno State. Canada reiterated its willingness to continue to support needs-based humanitarian assistance for Nigerians affected by crises.

Nigeria and Canada acknowledged their mutual commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and discussed their long-standing development partnership, which seeks to advance women’s economic and political participation, the empowerment of all women and girls, including health, human rights, prosperity and inclusive economic growth.

Canada recognized Nigeria’s regional, continental, and international leadership and supports its role in promoting regional cooperation and integration.

Nigeria shared its vision for reforms of global governance institutions and financial architecture, and both countries explored opportunities for multilateral cooperation. Canada and Nigeria agreed to continue working together to build a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world and to explore areas for future collaboration, including climate change.

Both countries expressed their commitment to continue meaningful bilateral dialogue under the framework of the Binational Commission to address key issues of mutual interest. Canada and Nigeria agreed that the next meeting of the Binational Commission should be held in Abuja, Nigeria, at a date to be mutually agreed.

SIGNED IN OTTAWA on September 20, 2024.