Nigeria, Canada Move Closer To Direct Flights As Air Services Talks Progress

Nigeria and Canada have taken another step toward launching direct flight operations as both countries intensify discussions on expanding bilateral aviation cooperation.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening aviation ties with Canada during a courtesy visit by the Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, David Sproule, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Sproule was accompanied by the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, and the Trade Commissioner, Funmike Sojinuga.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the meeting centred on expanding bilateral air services, with both countries exploring a framework that would facilitate the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Canada.

During the meeting, Ambassador Sproule revealed that a senior Canadian delegation is expected in Nigeria during the first week of August to continue diplomatic discussions on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other related matters.

The Canadian envoy also proposed incorporating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into the broader cooperation framework between both countries to improve the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.

According to him, adopting the proposed SOP would strengthen collaboration on immigration matters and remove one of the remaining obstacles to securing approval for direct flight operations.

Sproule further noted that direct air connectivity could significantly increase passenger traffic, making it important to establish effective immigration enforcement and repatriation procedures in advance.

Responding, Keyamo welcomed the progress toward direct flights, describing the development as long overdue given the strong demand from Nigerian travellers.

He pointed out that thousands of Nigerians travelling to Canada every week currently have to transit through Europe or the United States because there are no direct air connections between the two countries.

The Minister said the Federal Government remains committed to expanding international air routes to improve connectivity, shorten travel time, enhance passenger convenience, and deepen economic and people-to-people relations.

While acknowledging Canada’s concerns about the proposed SOP, Keyamo explained that immigration and deportation matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies, rather than the Ministry of Aviation.

“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,” the Minister stated.

Both countries agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the remaining issues and work toward 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 discussions on behalf of the Federal Government.