Nigeria, Canada Sign Expanded Air Transport Pact to Enable Direct Flights

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded air transport agreement that paves the way for direct scheduled flights between both countries for the first time, while strengthening trade, tourism, investment, education, and cultural exchanges.

The agreement was signed in Abuja by officials from both countries as part of efforts to deepen bilateral aviation relations and expand economic cooperation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Tijjani, while Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia, signed on behalf of the Canadian government.

The signing followed a technical review session during which both delegations reviewed the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement and agreed on key improvements to the aviation framework.

Under the expanded agreement, both countries can now designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services. It also provides for up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for designated airlines from each country.

The agreement further grants Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for cargo operations, allowing designated cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or ends in the airline’s home country.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation, Tunde Moshood, the expanded agreement is expected to improve air connectivity by reducing travel time, enhancing passenger convenience, lowering logistics costs, and boosting commercial and cultural ties between Nigeria and Canada.

The ministry noted that the development is particularly significant given the growing relationship between both countries. As of March 31, 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s leading sources of international students.

Officials said the enhanced aviation framework would further support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment, and family reunification.

The ministry also recalled that the original Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was negotiated in 2014 as a code-share arrangement and formally signed in March 2025, describing the latest pact as the first major expansion of the bilateral framework in over a decade