As global attention turns to the upcoming Canada-Africa Fintech Summit and the Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Expo 2025, renowned Pan-African faith leader and economic strategist, Apostle Cornelius Olajide Babalola, has issued a compelling call for the final ratification of the Canada-Nigeria Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
In a statement he signed on Sunday, he noted that the FIPA, signed in May 2014, was crafted to create a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment between Nigeria and Canada.
Yet, over a decade later, this landmark agreement remains unratified, stalling the full economic potential of one of Africa’s most strategic partnerships.
“We have waited long enough,” said Apostle Cornelius. “The world is watching. The 2025 Expo is the right moment to bring FIPA to life—to prove to investors and citizens alike that Nigeria and Canada are serious about building a future anchored in trust, innovation, and mutual prosperity.”
Protection against unfair treatment and discrimination; Neutral dispute resolution, including access to international arbitration; and Government flexibility to regulate public interests like health, labour, and the environment.
According to him, its ratification would signal that Nigeria is open for business—not just any business, but investment grounded in integrity, accountability, and long-term development.
The Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Expo, from August 3–8, 2025, comes as Canada is scaling up its engagement with Africa through its new Global Africa Strategy.
According to the cleric, Nigeria is pushing forward with bold reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, seeking to boost non-oil exports, attract global capital, and empower its young population.
The Expo will host over 500 stakeholders, including top government officials, global investors, development finance institutions, CEOs, and innovation leaders, making it an ideal platform to announce the ratification of FIPA.
“This is not just a trade event—it’s a strategic convergence of vision, leadership, and opportunity,” Apostle Cornelius said. “We must seize this moment.”
According to Apostle Cornelius, ratifying the FIPA could ignite investment in critical sectors of Nigeria’s future in Agriculture & Agri-Business, strengthening value chains and food security, renewable Energy & Infrastructure, driving energy access and sustainable growth, Boosting financial inclusion and digital innovation, Creating jobs and scaling local enterprises, enhancing transparency and environmental responsibility in Oil & Gas Services, among others.
“Canada brings world-class expertise and capital. Nigeria offers scale, talent, and market potential. FIPA can turn this potential into powerful, inclusive partnerships,” he added.
“This could inspire a new generation of Africa-Canada economic frameworks—rooted not in extraction but shared success. Nigeria must lead by example and redefine Africa’s investment narrative.”
Apostle Babalola calls on the federal government of Nigeria, the government of Canada, private sector leaders, the African diaspora, and civil society to prioritise the FIPA’s final ratification during the Expo lead-up.
He urged all parties to mobilise diplomatic and legal pathways to ensure the agreement is activated and announced globally.
The Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Expo 2025 is Canada’s flagship platform for building inclusive economic partnerships with Africa. This year’s themes include inclusive economic growth, Digital and Financial Transformation, sustainable Development, and Resilient Infrastructure.
The event will feature a High-Level Investment Roundtable, SME Forums, and B2B Matchmaking Sessions—designed to turn dialogue into investment and policy into progress.
