Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to Canada, Emeritus Professor Isaac Adewole, has formally begun his diplomatic assignment after presenting his Letters of Credence to Canada’s Governor-General, the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, in Ottawa.
Adewole presented the credentials on September 15, 2026, formally marking the start of his diplomatic engagements as Nigeria’s representative in Canada, according to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During a subsequent audience with Arbour, Adewole expressed appreciation to the Canadian government for accepting his nomination and conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s greetings, felicitations and best wishes to the Governor-General.
The High Commissioner said Nigeria was ready to work closely with Canada to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and build on the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Adewole also highlighted Nigeria’s role in promoting democracy, good governance and counter-terrorism in Africa, particularly through its engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting underscored the importance of sustained Nigeria–Canada engagement based on mutual respect, shared interests and longstanding people-to-people and institutional ties.
Arbour, who described Letters of Credence as an instrument of trust between states, stressed the importance of rules-based cooperation among countries in advancing national interests and shared values.
She also highlighted the impact of conflict, climate change and the global competition for technological innovation, urging countries to create conditions that would promote peace, prosperity and improved quality of life.
Adewole expressed determination to use his tenure to expand and deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Canada and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations.
The Federal Government said it looked forward to continued engagement with Canada on shared priorities, including peace, development, democratic governance and mutually beneficial international partnerships.
Adewole, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology and former Minister of Health, was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada by President Tinubu. His presentation of credentials formally enables him to undertake his diplomatic functions in the country.
