The Chairman of Nigeria/Canada Friendship Parliamentary Cooperation, Honorable Biodun Omoleye, representing the good people of Ekiti Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, led a delegation of the Nigerian House of Representatives on a parliamentary exchange visit to the Canadian House of Commons.

Omoleye, while addressing Canada House of Commons, used the occasion of the visit to highlight the advantages of the Nigeria/Canada Friendship Parliamentary Corporation. He also called for more synergy between the two parliaments.

The statement reads in parts. “We have come to explore the possibility of leveraging our shared history and diplomatic relationship over the years for mutual benefits. For instance, Nigeria students’ population constitutes about the second highest international studentship in Canada, and a major financier of the education sector in Canada.”

“A justification for this would be an unhindered opportunity for Nigeria’s commerce and trade to flourish here in Canada, but the reverse is still the case as at the moment. Products from Nigeria are still not allowed to enter Canada as if they are not categorized or captured under your Free Entry Policy”.

“There is a need for more reforms in Immigration laws, free trade, customs and excise policies”.

“While we appreciate the numerous supports that Canada has been given Nigeria through its contributions to Global Organization, we seek for greater supports in Agriculture, Mineral Resources Development, Capacity Support for Parliamentarians, Women Empowerment, Youth/Students Development, especially through Exchanges that recognize mentor-ship programs, establishment of Network Platforms, Direct Training and investment in Information Technology and Innovations”.

“It is with great pleasure that I appreciate you for the opportunity given to our delegation to address this parliament with very top delegation and Chairmen of strategic House Committees and to formally, as instructed by my Speaker, invite you and your delegations to Nigeria at your earliest convenient time as a way of giving nod to our joint commitments to Global Legislative Cooperation”.