Focus Keywords: Nigeria Canada direct flights, Nigeria Canada air transport agreement, Festus Keyamo, direct flights to Canada, Nigeria aviation news, Canada travel, Bilateral Air Services Agreement
Meta Description: Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded air transport agreement that paves the way for direct scheduled flights, boosting trade, tourism, education, and investment between both countries.
Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that clears the way for the commencement of direct scheduled flights between both countries, marking a major milestone in bilateral relations and international aviation.
The landmark agreement is expected to enhance connectivity, promote trade and tourism, encourage investment, and strengthen educational and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and Canada.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada following a comprehensive technical review of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management at the ministry, Mohammed Tijjani, while Canada’s delegation was led by Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada.
The signing followed extensive discussions during the Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Work session, where both countries agreed to expand their existing aviation framework.
Under the expanded agreement, Nigeria and Canada can now designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services between both countries.
The agreement also provides for:
- Up to 14 weekly passenger flights for designated airlines from each country.
- Up to 10 weekly all-cargo flights each week.
- Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for cargo operations, allowing designated cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service either originates from or terminates in their home country.
The new arrangement is expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, lower logistics costs for businesses, and create more commercial opportunities for airlines operating between both countries
The Federal Ministry of Aviation said the agreement will further strengthen economic ties by supporting tourism, business travel, international trade, educational exchanges, and family reunification.
The development is particularly significant given the growing number of Nigerians living, studying, and working in Canada.
According to the ministry, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of March 31, 2026, making Nigeria one of Canada’s leading sources of international students.
Officials believe easier air connectivity will further encourage student mobility while enhancing business and investment opportunities between both nations.
The ministry explained that the Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was originally negotiated in 2014 as a code-share arrangement before it was formally signed in March 2025.
The newly signed framework represents the first major expansion of the bilateral aviation agreement in more than a decade and reflects the growing diplomatic and economic relationship between both countries.
Industry observers say the agreement could pave the way for airlines from both countries to begin direct operations once regulatory approvals and commercial arrangements are completed.
The expanded aviation partnership is expected to improve connectivity, deepen bilateral cooperation, and open new opportunities for businesses, travellers, students, and investors in both Nigeria and Canada.
