Gov. Lawal, other Nigerian leaders to attend Canada-Africa Investment Summit
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, some state governors and other senior government officials are scheduled to represent Nigeria at the maiden Canada-Africa Summit on digital rails and inclusive growth in Toronto, Canada.
The summit, scheduled for Aug. 10 to 15, is expected to bring together governments, investors, multinational corporations, development finance institutions, foundations and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and strategic partnerships between Africa and Canada.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara governor, said Lawal’s participation followed an invitation from the Presidency.
He said the governor’s participation would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement while providing an opportunity to showcase investment opportunities in Zamfara State.
According to him, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NDIEC) is a leading global platform for governments and investors to establish strategic partnerships and explore opportunities capable of driving sustainable economic development.
Idris said the summit would also support the economic objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly through initiatives linked to the National Energy Transition Plan and Nigeria’s broader engagement with Canada on economic cooperation.
He said the Zamfara Government viewed the summit not merely as a diplomatic gathering but as a strategic economic mission aimed at attracting investment, technology transfer, development financing and technical partnerships to the state.
“Governor Lawal’s involvement in the Canada-Africa Investment Summit will help position Zamfara State as Nigeria’s emerging hub for agribusiness, strategic minerals development, human capital growth and digital innovation,” he said.
The spokesperson said the governor would use the opportunity to engage potential investors and development partners on Zamfara’s economic potential and investment opportunities.
He added that the state’s participation was part of the administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s economy and create opportunities for sustainable growth beyond its traditional economic activities.
According to him, the summit would provide an avenue for Zamfara to highlight its agricultural potential, mineral resources, human capital and emerging digital economy to international investors.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation include the President’s Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra; Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno; Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna and Gov. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau.
Also expected in the delegation are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
The summit is expected to focus on investment, digital transformation, inclusive economic growth and stronger Africa-Canada partnerships.
For Zamfara, the government said the engagement would complement ongoing efforts to attract private-sector investment and development partnerships capable of transforming the state’s productive sectors and improving economic opportunities for its people.
