To a State Dinner Hosted by the President of the Republic of Nigeria, the Honourable Olusegun Obasanjo

Four years ago tomorrow, the Commonwealth Heads of Government, and the world, were shocked and saddened to hear of the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Nigerians. Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth at that time. Tomorrow, Mr. President, you travel to Durban, South Africa to attend the meeting of Commonwealth leaders. Signalling the formal welcome of Nigeria back into our Commonwealth family.

This is a time to savour and to rejoice. One that speaks to nothing less than a return to freedom in Nigeria. A transformation that Canadians have watched with admiration. And a transformation that would not have been possible without the courage of many Nigerian patriots, and your own principled leadership.

Mr. President, Canada applauds your foresight and your commitment. You are leading your people on a journey of hope and promise. A journey out of a dark time of repression and injustice.

Canada has supported Nigeria at every stage. We spoke out when your rights were abused and few cared to raise their voice. We did so because we believed it was the right thing to do. And so you would know that you were not alone. We provided support to community groups so that your civil society could promote democracy and human rights even while the military ruled. With the handover from a military to a civilian government on May 29th, Nigeria reclaimed her rightful place among the democratic community of nations.

In just over five months, your new Government has made an impressive beginning. Past human rights abuses and corruption are under investigation. Economic policy is being reviewed. A universal education scheme and immunization program have been launched. This is progress that would have been beyond imagination just a few years ago.

Just as Nigeria has taken a new path for the new century, so are things changing for the better throughout Africa. Like Nigeria., more and more African nations are embracing democracy, the rule of law and good governance. The economies of almost all African countries are growing. African countries are increasingly applying solutions that are made-in-Africa. The leadership role of Nigeria in Sierra Leone is but one example. Clear evidence of your commitment to peace and security.

But even as we acknowledge this historic progress, we must also acknowledge that there are still enormous challenges yet to be overcome, both here in Nigeria and throughout Africa. Defeating the scourge of poverty. Deepening the commitment to good governance. Reversing environmental degradation.

We must frankly state that more progress has to be made on the issue of corruption. Five of the eleven countries alleged to be the most corrupt in the world are African. The persistence of such inequitable and arbitrary practices will greatly inhibit foreign investment of a type which can help ensure the broader development, stability and prosperity of a nation. We are heartened by the bold strides you have taken, Mr. President, to bring probity and transparency back to the forefront of Nigerian society.

Progress has been made in tackling some of the chronic, regional conflicts in Africa. Yet the horrors of war remain only too evident. Some conflicts have been with us for over a generation. How tragic, and yes, how foolish that the great mineral treasures of Africa are being squandered on guns and bombs, rather than to fund investments that improve the lives of people.

We must also better understand and manage threats to individual and collective security. Such as the drug trade, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources and the dramatic spread of AIDS and other preventable diseases.

Too many African lives are being cut short by AIDS. Too much individual potential lost. And Canada is heavily engaged in preventing the spread of AIDS and developing AIDS vaccines. In another health sector, one where the world has found effective prevention against disease, Canada recently contributed $6 million to the World Health Organization to help immunize Nigerian children against polio.

Meeting these challenges will be a tall order, Mr. President. Beyond question. And of course, it will be for the people of Nigeria and Africa to devise their own unique approaches and solutions to these problems.

But just as Canada was there for you during the time of darkness, we want to work with you, Mr. President, and your government, to assist Nigeria achieve her immense potential. And to realize the full potential of our relationship. One that has long been promised, but never realized.

Canada has long been a proud partner in African development. Our commitment to development assistance is a reflection of our belief that all peoples have a right to a decent quality of life. Canada is also actively involved in building a system that will act as a buffer against international financial crises. And in efforts to improve trade access for developing countries.

Within the United Nations Security Council, we are promoting better protection for civilians in armed conflict.

We have cancelled over $1.3 billion of Official Development Assistance debt. We have pushed for more generous terms for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. And, in some cases, debt cancellation. At the same time, we believe that such debt relief should be coupled with commitments by developing countries to invest funds freed from debt repayment in the provision of basic social services to their own people.

Canada wants to establish more effective partnerships with Nigeria. Ones that encompass governments, civil society organizations and our business people. This is why Canada will be inviting key political, business and civil society leaders from nine African countries, including Nigeria, to take part in a project called "Africa Direct." Along with the Conference de Montreal in Quebec, it will highlight Africa's potential and identify promising new avenues of cooperation.

Canadian companies envisage major investments in Nigeria's development. In the process they will bring not only expertise, technology and a proven know-how. But also values and vision. As governments, we must help foster these ventures and create an environment in which they can flourish. In that context, Canada will work to complete the process to bring into force on January 1, 2000, the Double Taxation Agreement signed in 1992.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a truly exciting time for Canada. Nigeria, our old friend, is new again. I ask everyone here to join me now in a toast. To President Obasanjo. And to the people of Nigeria. Let us celebrate the re-birth of freedom. And let us look forward to the great days that lie ahead.