Canada, Nigeria Trade Reaches C$3.2bn as LBS Advocates Deeper Partnership
The Lagos Business School (LBS) has called for deeper Canada-Nigeria economic collaboration as bilateral trade between both countries reached C$3.2 billion in 2025 amid shifting global trade dynamics.
The Dean of LBS, Prof. Olayinka David-West, made the call on Thursday in Lagos during a fireside chat with the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr Carlos Rojas-Arbulu.
The event had the theme: “Leading Africa’s Future: Business, Purpose, and the Canada-Nigeria Partnership.”
David-West said Canada had become one of the leading destinations for Nigerians seeking education, business opportunities and migration, reflecting the growing people-to-people and economic ties between both countries.
According to her, bilateral trade between Canada and Nigeria reached C$3.2 billion in 2025, underscoring the expanding commercial relationship. “Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians emigrating.
“The growing Nigerian community in Canada is strengthening trade, investment and knowledge exchange between both countries,” she said.
Also speaking, Adi Bongo, Professor of Economics at LBS, said the global political and economic order was undergoing significant changes, with middle powers such as Canada assuming greater prominence.
Bongo said the era of a unipolar or bipolar world had ended, as global value chains were being reshaped and countries repositioned themselves to seize emerging opportunities.
He said Canada’s growing engagement with Nigeria reflected its strategy of expanding international partnerships while creating opportunities for mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
According to him, institutions such as LBS have an important role in strengthening business relationships and promoting dialogue between Nigeria and international partners.
“Canada’s renewed global engagement aligns with the transformation of international trade and presents fresh opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, Rojas-Arbulu called for deeper Canada-Nigeria partnerships anchored on trust, ethical leadership and long-term investment.
He said global economic shifts had created new opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation.
The envoy said Canada was diversifying its trade and investment relationships and viewed Nigeria as a strategic partner in mining, agriculture, renewable energy, technology and education.
According to him, Canada supported several trade missions to Nigeria in the past year, culminating in a recent conference attended by 220 participants and 31 Canadian companies.
“The real measure of success is what happens next, whether conversations become contracts, introductions become investments, and relationships become lasting partnerships,” he said.
Rojas-Arbulu said sustainable trade was built on trust rather than policy alone, stressing that ethical leadership remained essential for businesses, investors and governments seeking enduring partnerships.
He described LBS as a critical institution for nurturing responsible leaders capable of driving Africa’s future through integrity and sound decision-making.
The envoy added that Canada’s relationship with Nigeria should be defined by future possibilities, urging Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to see Canada as a partner in research, innovation, responsible investment and enterprise. #Canada, Nigeria Trade Reaches C$3.2bn as LBS Advocates Deeper Partnership#
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