Nigeria, Canada to Strengthen Trade Relation, as Minister Leads Delegation to Toronto

Nigeria and Canada are set to enhance their trade relations, with Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa leading a delegation to Toronto. This move comes as part of the upcoming Trade and Investment Summit, which will also highlight Nigeria's 18th edition of the African Music Awards. The theme of the Headies event, "Africa to the World," signifies Nigeria's global representation through its music, culture, stories, talents, and entrepreneurs.

For Musawa, this collaboration signifies more than a cultural celebration; it is about economic expansion and building a stronger, more prosperous Nigerian economy.

Musawa elaborated on the growth of the Nigerian creative economy, stating that every song performed internationally, every film reaching new audiences, every fashion brand entering foreign markets, and every creative enterprise attracting investment contribute to the nation's economic growth. She emphasized the need to move beyond celebrating creativity and focus on scaling it commercially.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Canada in Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Abulu, noted that both countries already have robust connections in areas like trade, education, investment, and a substantial Nigerian diaspora in Canada, numbering 120,000. He added the 20 to 25,000 Nigerian students studying in Canadian universities and schools to these foundations, highlighting opportunities to further strengthen ties between Canadian and Nigerian businesses and institutions across various sectors such as trade, investment, technology, education, innovation, and skills.

High Commissioner David Sproule added that the one-week celebration of Nigerian culture and music, coupled with the creativity summit and the trade and investment summit, will further solidify the trade relationship between Nigeria and Canada.