The Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Dr David Sproule, has affirmed that Nigeria is Canada’s strategic partner in Africa and has pledged continued collaboration to advance economic growth, youth employment, private-sector development, climate resilience, and institutional strengthening.

Sproule spoke at a high-level meeting with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters on Wednesday, stating that Nigeria remains a priority country under Canada’s Africa Strategy because of its economic importance, regional influence, and potential to drive growth across the continent.

He said Canada provided more than $127 million in international assistance to Nigeria in 2024–2025 through bilateral and multilateral channels, with ongoing interventions focused on economic growth, gender equality, health, climate resilience, and stronger institutions.

According to him, Canada’s renewed engagement with Africa emphasises building partnerships beyond traditional development assistance, with a focus on economic cooperation, skills development, youth employment, and private-sector-led growth.

“Under Canada’s Africa Strategy, Nigeria has been identified as a priority, based on the strength of our relationship, past successes, and Nigeria’s economic importance in African affairs,” Sproule said.

He added that Canada is committed to expanding its cooperation with Nigeria through initiatives promoting shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Responding, Senator Bagudu welcomed Canada’s continued partnership, describing the relationship between the two countries as built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a common commitment to development.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, noting that the Federal Government is focused on creating an environment that supports private-sector investment, expands economic opportunities, and reduces poverty.

He said attracting investment is more beneficial to the nation than receiving aid from foreign governments and partners, and explained that the Federal Government would carry out its ongoing reforms to a logical conclusion.

He explained that the government’s development strategy is increasingly focused on ensuring that economic activities reach communities across the country through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which maps development priorities for Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.

According to Senator Bagudu, the ward-based approach will enable the government and development partners to identify local opportunities, coordinate interventions, eliminate duplication, and maximise impact at the grassroots level.

He called on Canada and its private-sector community to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, emphasising that the country’s development journey requires stronger collaboration among government, investors, and international partners.

“Development partnerships can only go so far. What we need is to create opportunities for the private sector to participate, invest, and help drive sustainable growth,” the minister said.

Bagudu noted that Nigeria’s reforms are already creating new opportunities, citing increased investor confidence, improved economic coordination, and efforts to build a more competitive business environment.

He disclosed that Nigeria continues to attract significant infrastructure investment, adding that the country is repositioning itself to compete for global capital and partnerships.

The minister also emphasised the importance of telling Nigeria’s development story to the world, noting that the country’s democratic stability and economic reforms offer lessons for other nations undergoing similar transformations.

He said Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with partners such as Canada to strengthen investment flows, deepen institutional capacity, and accelerate inclusive development.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two countries in capacity building and monitoring and evaluation, with Canada supporting initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s development planning institutions.

Both sides expressed a commitment to expanding cooperation in areas that will promote economic transformation, create opportunities for young Nigerians, and strengthen Nigeria-Canada relations.