Nigeria, Canada sign expanded air transport pact to launch direct flights
The federal government and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled flights between both countries, in a move expected to boost trade, tourism and investment.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by the Director of Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, who represented the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia.
The signing followed a technical review of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement, with both countries agreeing to expand the framework governing air transport relations.
According to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the agreement introduces “several important enhancements designed to improve connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.”
Under the agreement, Nigeria and Canada can each designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services between the two countries. It also provides for 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for designated airlines of each country.
The pact further grants Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for cargo operations, allowing designated airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline’s home country.
The ministry said the agreement “is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada by paving the way for the commencement of direct flights, thereby reducing travel time, improving passenger convenience, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening commercial and cultural ties between both nations.”
It added that the expanded framework comes amid growing people-to-people relations between both countries, noting that as of March 31, 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s major sources of international students.
