Canada – Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting reinforces bilateral relations 

By John Adeyefa

A delegation of the new Nigerian Government of President Buhari were in Ottawa December 10 and 11, 2015  for a meeting with the new Canadian Government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The occasion was the 3rd Canada – Nigeria Bi-National Commission to reinforce strong bilateral relations between both nations.

The Nigerian delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Zom Lolo.  He was accompanied by several Permanent Secretaries and Directors of the various Ministries.  The delegates included Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment Mr. Aliyu Bisalla, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung and Rear Admiral. Okojie of the Federal Ministry of Defense. The Canadian delegates included the High Commission and Deputy High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, ​Ambassador Perry Calderwood and Mr. Lajos Arendas with several Directors of Global Affairs Canada (formally Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development).

The 3rd Canada – Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting focused on reinforcing cooperation, based on principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and benefit for Canada and Nigeria. A Private Sector Forum Interactive Panel discussion was held on December 10, 2015 to promote business and investment in Nigeria and Canada.

The Nigerian delegates were welcomed by the Nigerian Chargé d’Affaires, Ja’afar M. Balarabe at a dinner reception held at the Embassy Hall. The event was attended by several Nigerian-Canadians including Professor Josephine Etowa, Dr. Geoff Ebere, Professor Pius Adesanmi, Chief Wale Adesanya, Professor Nduka Otiono and the Nigerian-Canadian Association President, John Adeyefa.

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