Nigeria, Canada move closer to direct flights agreement

Nigeria and Canada have intensified discussions on the commencement of direct flight operations as both countries seek to resolve outstanding immigration and regulatory issues that have delayed the long-awaited air connectivity between the two nations.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding aviation cooperation with Canada during a meeting with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, David Sproule, in Abuja.

The Canadian delegation included Deputy High Commissioner Carlos Rojas-Arbulú and Trade Commissioner Funmike Sojinuga.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the discussions centred on expanding bilateral air services and establishing a framework for direct commercial flights between Nigeria and Canada.

Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation would visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other related matters.

The envoy also proposed the inclusion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the bilateral framework to facilitate the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.

According to him, the proposed procedures would strengthen cooperation between both governments on immigration matters and remove one of the remaining obstacles to securing approvals for direct flight operations.

He noted that direct flights are expected to increase passenger traffic significantly, making stronger immigration enforcement and repatriation mechanisms necessary.

Responding, Keyamo expressed optimism that direct flights between Nigeria and Canada would soon become a reality, noting that demand for the route has remained consistently high over the years.

He said available passenger traffic data indicate that thousands of Nigerians travelling to Canada every week are compelled to transit through Europe or the United States because there are no direct flights between the two countries.

The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to expanding international air connectivity to improve passenger convenience, reduce travel time and strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people relations.

He, however, explained that immigration and deportation matters fall under the constitutional responsibility of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies rather than the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

“The aviation component is one aspect of the discussions, while the immigration-related issues require the involvement of other relevant ministries. We are prepared to facilitate those engagements because if reaching an understanding on the SOP is what is required to move the process forward, then we will ensure the appropriate government institutions are brought into the discussions,” Keyamo said.

Both countries agreed to continue negotiations at a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the outstanding issues and work towards concluding a mutually beneficial agreement.

Although Keyamo said he would be unavailable due to prior official engagements, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior ministry officials would represent Nigeria and continue the negotiations.

The planned talks represent another step towards strengthening aviation cooperation between Nigeria and Canada, with both countries seeking to improve air connectivity, expand trade and investment opportunities and deepen bilateral relations.