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EKITI REPS MEMBER OMOLEYE ADVOCATES BILATERAL TRADE AS HOUSE COMMITTEE VISITS CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER
In a strategic move to revamp bilateral relations and boost economic diplomacy, the House of Representatives Committee on the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group has announced plans for a Nigeria/Canada Trade and Investment Summit and Awards (NICATISA 2025), set to be held in Toronto from August 25 to 27.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Biodun Omoleye made this known during a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, at his official residence.
According to Hon. Omoleye, the Committee, established by Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is pursuing a bold agenda to shift Nigeria’s international relations from aid dependence to mutually beneficial partnerships.
He also noted that the NICATISA 2025 summit is expected to serve as a cornerstone for redefined economic relations between Nigeria and Canada, anchored on shared democratic values, inclusive growth and trade liberalization.
“We are not a beggar nation, we have the market and the population to become Canada’s greatest trading partner in Africa, ” Omoleye asserted.
NICATISA 2025 is being organized in partnership with Nigeria/Canada Parliamentary Friendship Inc., a Canadian not-for-profit organization and is expected to draw stakeholders from both the public and private sectors of both countries.
Confirmations have already been received from Nigeria’s Ministries of Industry and Solid Minerals, as well as the Governor of Katsina State and several federal lawmakers.
Among other ambitious proposals is the establishment of NigerMart, a Nigerian export hub in Canada that will promote Nigerian products across North America and stimulate job creation in both countries.
The Committee also called for a new bilateral air travel agreement to enable non-stop flights and direct shipping routes between Nigeria and Canada; an initiative seen as a game-changer for trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
Omoleye sought the High Commissioner’s endorsement of the upcoming summit and his assistance in facilitating visas, promoting awareness among Canadian agencies and securing high-level participation, including Canadian ministers responsible for trade and small business.
Acknowledging the visit as part of a broader diplomatic engagement that included a 2024 inter-parliamentary mission to Ottawa, the lawmaker emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing economic transition and the vast potential in its youth, women and business sectors.
“We are committed to lifting our women in politics and enterprise while promoting youth development and cultural exchanges,” he said.
Responding, the Canadian envoy, H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged to strengthen cooperation that would align with the evolving goals of both nations.
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