Welcome to the Official Site of the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa!

GREETINGS FROM THE DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER

Mrs. Katherine Jackden

Dear Fellow Nigerians and other visitors to our official website site,
I assumed duty as Nigeria’s High Commissioner in this welcoming, peaceful and fascinating country, Canada, on the 19th June 2008.
In this privileged position, I seek to vigorously pursue closer ties between our country Nigeria and our host country Canada, with whom we share historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties. Nigeria and Canada are members of the commonwealth, share the same colonial experience and share common aspirations in sustaining democracy, through the rule of law and equity in our diversities. As members of the United Nations, Canada and Nigeria share a similar outlook on many global issues.....more

Registration of Nigerians In Canada

The Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, has concluded plans to register/count its compatriots, their Associations, and Businesses, in provinces around Canada.

The Commission would therefore appreciate it very much, if all Nigerians in Canada could cooperate with it in this important endeavor that will surely move Nigeria and her nationals forward, by filling our questionnaire below. The Commission aims to achieve, among others, the following objectives from this exercise:-
a) Establish and effectively monitor the number and spread of Nigerians, to enable it to better serve and able to come to their aid, in the event of natural or man-made emergencies, as well as to ensure their minimum welfare;
b) Issue Nigerian (Citizenship) identification card, which could, in the near future, become “Nigeria Identity Card Abroad (NICA)”;
c) Unite Nigerians, Nigerian Associations, and Nigerian Businesses, to enhance their unity and cooperation, rather than competition, in their pursuit of the Canadian dream;
d) Establish the number, size/strength and spread of Nigerian Associations and Businesses;
e) Support and channel contribution of Nigerian Associations and Businesses in the on-going developmental efforts in Nigeria; and
f) Build enough “critical mass” to convince the Nigerian Government to consider approving absentee voting. It is your right to be served right, a conviction that can only be possible with your cooperation.

Announcement;

News;

HIGHLIGHTS ON INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is Africa’s most popular country, the biggest economy in Sub Saharan Africa, and a key global and gas producer and exporter. Despite some challenges in the Niger Delta region, created by a legacy of past policies in oil and gas development and local political machinations – Nigeria is making steady progress in a number of key areas, notably the banking sector, reform of the petroleum sector, and Infrastructure development, Education, Security, Agriculture, Youth Women Empowerment, and Sustainable Energy.

2. Deciding whether to invest in a country is indeed not an easy task, because it requires crucial information, research and planning. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is an indispensable ally of potential foreign investors. The NIPC is tasked with overcoming the bottlenecks and institutional red tape that had previously discourage foreign investors especially from taking advantage of Nigeria’s wealth and opportunities. NIPC is one step necessity for potential investors, it serves as a central investment approval agency, streamlining the activities of government department and agencies involved with investment promotion. It helps in matters such as registration or incorporation of foreign enterprises, obtain expatriate quotas or find out specifics about the different tax regime for sectors like cargo, oil and mining. It also serves as a catalyst for injecting the much-desired foreign capital into Nigerian economy through investments. It allows foreigners and local investors alike wishing to own up to 100% shares in investments in the country. It also encourages and promotes competition in the economy.

SERVICES

3. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission provides the following services for interested investors:-

§ Provides up to date information and investment opportunities available in the country.

§ Provides information on available incentives for investment.

§ Issues business permits to foreign investors.

§ Coordinates the issuance of expatriate quota.

§ Negotiates in consultation with appropriate government agencies, specific incentive packages for investors.

§ Enters directly into bilateral agreement with investors for purposes of investment protection.

§ Identifies specific project and invites interested investors to per take in them. And more.

Growth Potentials of Nigeria's Economy

In the continuing effort by Nigeria to engage with the international community with a view to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country, the High Commission wishes to provide information on a research reports recently published on the subject of Nigeria’s economic growth by the highly reputable and well regarded global investment Banks; – Renaissance Capital and Citi Group.

The highlights of the reports are as follows:-

a) Nigeria has a large market with deepening pockets: Nigeria is a market that is too large to be ignored and it has one of the highest real income per capita growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa;

b) Nigeria’s GDP growth was estimated at 7.9% in 2010 making it one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and it is expected to continue out performing other African OPEC members over the next five years;

c) The non-oil sector has been the driver of the growth in the two years to the first quarter of 2009;

d) Robust fiscal position. Nigeria has a strong fiscal position with a small deficit and low levels of government debt compared to baric and sub-Saharan Africa economies;

e) Nigeria has pulled ahead of South Africa and Sudan, garnering the third largest FDI inflows into Africa and the second largest in sub-Saharan Africa;

f) Over a decade of civilian rule. Nigeria has made significant political strides which is indicative of maturing political culture;

g) Nigeria has the potential to be the fastest growing economy in the world over the next 40 years, with an average growth rate of 8.5%, higher than India at 8.0%. It could be a significant contributor to Global GDP growth increasing its share of global GDP from 0.5% today to 2.5% by 2050 overtaking Italy, France and the UK in the process;

h) As elections approach, Near-term trends are encouraging such as the progress by AMCON in recapitalizing the banking sector and the establishment of sovereign wealth fund to strengthen the fiscal framework and savings;

i) The report points out that the government has prioritized the power sector and plans to privatize it across the value chain. Removing infrastructure bottlenecks will accelerate growth.

NIGERIAN HIGH COMMISSION

OTTAWA, CANADA

APRIL 7, 2011