RismadarVoice Reporters
July 27, 2026
Nigeria and Canada have taken steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a renewed focus on gas development, investment and technical collaboration.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, His Excellency David Sproule, to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, in Abuja.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, and other senior officials of the Ministry.
Speaking during the visit, the Canadian envoy commended the Minister for the progress being recorded in Nigeria’s gas sector, describing his performance as exceptional. Sproule noted that Rt. Hon. Ekpo was “over-achieving” in the discharge of his responsibilities and expressed Canada’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in advancing its gas development agenda.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between both countries, particularly in areas of gas infrastructure development, investment, technology transfer and capacity building.
Responding, Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with Canada, stressing that the country remains open to foreign investment and collaboration.
He said Nigeria is strategically positioning its vast gas resources to drive economic growth, industrialisation and energy security, adding that partnerships with countries such as Canada would help unlock the full potential of the sector.
The Minister highlighted the critical role of gas in powering transportation, electricity generation, agriculture and manufacturing, noting that the Federal Government is committed to leveraging the resource to promote inclusive development and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
The meeting underscored the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada, with both countries expressing optimism about deeper cooperation in the energy sector and other areas of mutual interest.
