Nigeria and Canada have taken another step towards establishing direct flight services as both countries intensified discussions on a long-awaited Air Services Agreement (ASA) designed to strengthen air connectivity, boost trade, facilitate tourism and deepen bilateral relations.
The renewed commitment emerged during a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule, who led a delegation that 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, discussions centred on creating the regulatory and operational framework required to launch direct flights between both countries, a move expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of passengers who currently transit through Europe or the United States.
Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation is expected in Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other outstanding issues. He noted that Canada is also seeking to incorporate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into the broader cooperation framework to facilitate the orderly processing and removal of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.
According to the envoy, the proposed procedures would strengthen cooperation on immigration matters and address one of the key issues delaying approvals for direct flight operations. He added that with passenger traffic expected to rise once non-stop services commence, it is important to have effective immigration enforcement and repatriation mechanisms in place.
Responding, Keyamo expressed optimism that direct flights between Nigeria and Canada could soon become a reality, noting that demand for non-stop services has remained consistently high over the years. He observed that passenger traffic figures indicate that thousands of travellers journeying between both countries are currently forced to connect through third countries because no airline operates direct services.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s international air links, saying improved connectivity would enhance passenger convenience, shorten travel times and strengthen economic, commercial and people-to-people ties between both nations.
While acknowledging Canada’s concerns over the proposed Standard Operating Procedures, Keyamo explained that immigration and deportation issues fall outside the constitutional responsibilities of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies.
“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,” he said.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations at a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the remaining issues with a view to concluding a mutually beneficial agreement. Although Keyamo said prior official engagements would prevent him from attending the meeting, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior ministry officials would represent Nigeria and continue discussions on behalf of the Federal Government.
