Nigeria and Canada have renewed efforts to strengthen their aviation relationship as both countries intensify discussions aimed at establishing direct flight services between the two nations, a move expected to boost trade, tourism, investment and travel for thousands of passengers.
The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule, where both sides reviewed progress on aviation cooperation and the proposed Air Services Agreement.
According to the Minister’s office, discussions focused on expanding bilateral air services and creating the necessary framework for direct flight operations between Nigeria and Canada.
As part of the ongoing negotiations, the Canadian government disclosed that a high-level delegation will visit Nigeria during the first week of August to continue talks on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other outstanding issues needed to pave the way for direct flights.
If successful, the agreement would end years of reliance on connecting flights through Europe, the United States and the Middle East for passengers travelling between both countries.
Beyond aviation matters, discussions also covered immigration cooperation.
The Canadian envoy proposed the inclusion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the bilateral framework to facilitate the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are no longer legally entitled to remain in Canada.
According to Canadian officials, the measure would enhance cooperation on migration issues while helping to resolve one of the remaining obstacles delaying approval for direct commercial flight operations.
Responding to the proposal, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo welcomed the move, describing direct flights between Nigeria and Canada as long overdue.
He noted that demand for air travel between both countries has remained consistently high, especially considering the large Nigerian community living, studying and working in Canada.
According to the minister, many travellers are currently compelled to transit through other countries because there are no direct air connections linking Nigeria and Canada.
Keyamo explained that while aviation negotiations fall within his ministry’s responsibilities, immigration-related matters require collaboration with other government institutions.
He assured the Canadian delegation that the Federal Government would engage the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies to address the outstanding issues and facilitate progress in the negotiations.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s international aviation network as part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and strengthen economic, commercial and people-to-people relations with Canada.
He, however, acknowledged that deportation and immigration matters fall outside the direct mandate of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stressing that a coordinated government approach would be required.Both countries agreed to continue negotiations during another bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the remaining technical and policy issues surrounding the proposed agreement.
Although Keyamo indicated that prior official engagements would prevent him from attending the meeting personally, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior officials from the ministry would represent Nigeria and continue the discussions.
Industry stakeholders believe direct flights between Nigeria and Canada would significantly reduce travel time and costs for passengers while increasing tourism, trade, cargo movement and investment opportunities between both countries.
The proposed route is also expected to benefit the large Nigerian diaspora in Canada by providing more convenient travel options and strengthening family, educational and business connections.
If negotiations conclude successfully, the long-awaited direct air service could mark a major milestone in Nigeria-Canada relations and further expand Nigeria’s international aviation footprint
