On December 9, 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Bukar Bunni Hamman, Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warmly hosted Ms. Susan Steffan, Director-General of the West Africa and Maghreb Bureau at Global Affairs Canada and her visiting delegation.
The meeting was characterized by a constructive and forward-looking tone, marked by engaging personal exchanges and a shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Both sides reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Canada and explored new avenues for collaboration across key areas including trade, security, migration, and cultural exchange.
From the outset, both sides emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship and their shared commitment to deepening political and economic ties. Steffan described Nigeria and Canada’s partnership as “very strong and positive,” noting that her delegation began its visit in Lagos – an experience she described as “a big bang” underscoring vast commercial opportunities for Canadian and Nigerian businesses.
The meeting equally spotlighted the growing movement of people and ideas between the two countries. Canada is home to more than 82,000 residents of Nigerian origin, a community that Steffan said “enriches our lives and communities.” She also highlighted the strong presence of Nigerian students in Canada and the expanding business diaspora that continues to fuel innovation and bilateral investment.
Trade also featured prominently in the discussions; with Nigeria calling for increased volume and both sides expressing hopes for renewed momentum on paused negotiation instruments and market-opening agreements. Steffan explained that such commitments would send “a strong market signal” to international investors and strengthen confidence for companies operating in both countries. The Canadian delegation also referenced recent Nigerian business visits to Canada – ranging from energy exhibitions in Alberta to creative-industry showcases in Toronto – as proof of rising commercial synergy.
Migration cooperation also emerged as a key area of ongoing work, including a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ensuring structured, mutually agreed-upon migration processes. Canada expressed its readiness to continue refining this mechanism in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Beyond policy, the meeting explored cultural dynamics – from traditional garments and family histories to reflections on Canada’s evolving demographics. Steffan noted that Canada’s population has “doubled in recent decades,” driven largely by immigration, which she said has “significantly changed the country for the better” and strengthened connections to nations like Nigeria through vibrant diasporic ties.
The conversation concluded on an optimistic note, with both delegations reiterating their commitment to continued dialogue, stronger collaboration, and long-term people-to-people bonds.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
