Nigeria and Canada have renewed efforts to strengthen aviation ties as both countries advance discussions aimed at launching direct flights between the two nations.
The commitment was reaffirmed 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.
According to the minister’s office, talks focused on expanding bilateral air services and creating a framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada. Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation will visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed Air Services Agreement and related issues.
The Canadian envoy also proposed incorporating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into the cooperation framework to facilitate the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada. He said the measure would strengthen collaboration on immigration matters and address one of the remaining obstacles to approving direct flight operations.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the prospect of direct flights, noting that demand among Nigerian travellers has remained consistently high over the years. He said many passengers travelling to Canada are currently forced to transit through Europe or the United States because of the absence of direct air links.
“The aviation component is one aspect of the discussions, while the immigration-related issues require the involvement of other relevant ministries,” Keyamo said. “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 said the Federal Government remains committed to expanding international connectivity, reducing travel time and strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Canada.
He, however, acknowledged that immigration and deportation matters fall outside the mandate of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the outstanding issues. Although Keyamo said he would be unavailable because of prior official engagements, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior officials from the ministry would represent Nigeria and continue the discussions.
