Nigeria and Canada have taken another step towards establishing direct flight services as both countries continue negotiations on an Air Services Agreement aimed at strengthening aviation ties.
According to Channels Television, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding bilateral aviation cooperation during a meeting with Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, David Sproule, in Abuja.
The Canadian delegation, which also included Deputy High Commissioner Carlos Rojas-Arbulú and Trade Commissioner Funmike Sojinuga, discussed creating a framework that would allow direct commercial flights between the two countries.
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 related issues.
A key issue raised during the meeting was Canada’s proposal to incorporate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate the processing and removal of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada. According to the Canadian envoy, resolving this immigration concern is one of the remaining requirements before direct flight approvals can be granted.
He noted that direct air services would likely increase passenger traffic, making stronger immigration enforcement and repatriation procedures necessary.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the progress towards launching direct flights, noting that demand for a direct Nigeria-Canada route has remained high for years.
He said many travellers currently transit through Europe or the United States because there is no direct connection, adding that new international routes would improve connectivity, shorten travel time, boost passenger convenience and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.
The minister, however, explained that immigration and deportation matters fall outside the responsibilities of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies.
He assured the Canadian delegation that the Federal Government would facilitate discussions among the appropriate ministries if resolving the SOP issue is necessary to move the agreement forward.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations at a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where outstanding issues will be addressed. Although Keyamo said he would be unavailable due to prior official engagements, he confirmed that senior ministry officials would represent Nigeria at the talks.
