Nigeria, Canada Sign Expanded Air Deal to Enable Direct Flights, Boost Trade
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Nigeria and Canada have expanded their bilateral air transport framework in a landmark agreement expected to pave the way for direct scheduled flights between the two countries while strengthening trade, tourism and people-to-people connections.
The agreement was signed at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja following technical negotiations between officials from both countries. Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented at the ceremony by the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani.
Tijjani signed the agreement alongside Canada's Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia, following an extensive technical review of the existing Nigeria-Canada Bilateral Air Services framework.
The negotiations culminated in the signing of Agreed Minutes that substantially broaden the scope of the existing aviation arrangement between both countries.
Under the expanded agreement, Nigeria and Canada will be able to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services between their respective territories. Each country's designated airlines will also have access to a capacity allowance of up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights.
A major feature of the new arrangement is the introduction of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations. The provision will allow designated cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates from or terminates in the airline's home country.
The Federal Government said the expanded framework is expected to improve air connectivity while reducing travel times and logistics costs for passengers and businesses. It could also open new opportunities for airlines, exporters, investors and tourism operators in both countries.
The agreement comes amid growing links between Nigeria and Canada, particularly through education, migration, business and family ties. More than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of March 31, 2026, highlighting the scale of movement between the two countries.
Improved air connectivity is therefore expected to support students and families travelling between Nigeria and Canada while facilitating business trips, tourism, investment and educational exchanges.
The latest development builds on an aviation arrangement first negotiated by Nigeria and Canada in 2014 as a code-share-only agreement. That framework was formally signed in March 2025 before the latest negotiations produced a broader air services arrangement.
The Nigerian delegation to the negotiations included officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, while Canada's delegation comprised officials from Global Affairs Canada and Transport Canada.
The expanded agreement marks a significant development in Nigeria-Canada aviation relations and provides a framework for airlines from both countries to pursue direct scheduled services, subject to the necessary operational and regulatory processes.
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