Photo: The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo the Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, David Sproule, and others during the meeting.
Nigeria and Canada have intensified discussions to launch direct commercial flights, with both countries advancing negotiations on a new Air Services Agreement (ASA) aimed at improving air connectivity, trade, tourism, and bilateral relations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding aviation cooperation with Canada during a meeting with the country’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, David Sproule, in Abuja.
The Canadian delegation also included Deputy High Commissioner Carlos Rojas-Arbulú and Trade Commissioner Funmike Sojinuga.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Aviation, discussions centred on establishing the framework required to commence direct flights between Nigeria and Canada, a long-awaited development expected to reduce travel time and eliminate the need for passengers to transit through Europe or the United States.
Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation will visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed bilateral Air Services Agreement and related regulatory issues.
A major issue raised during the meeting was Canada’s proposal to include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.
The Canadian envoy said incorporating the SOPs into the broader bilateral framework would strengthen cooperation on immigration matters and help address one of the outstanding issues delaying approval for direct flight operations.
He noted that direct air connectivity is expected to increase passenger traffic between both countries, making stronger immigration management mechanisms essential.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the progress in the negotiations, describing direct Nigeria-Canada flights as a longstanding priority driven by strong passenger demand.
He said available traffic data shows that thousands of travellers between the two countries are currently forced to make connecting flights because no direct service exists.
“Opening new international routes will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger convenience and strengthen economic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Canada,” the minister said.
While acknowledging Canada’s concerns, Keyamo explained that immigration and deportation matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies rather than the Ministry of Aviation.
He, however, pledged to facilitate inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure the outstanding issues are resolved.
“If reaching an understanding on the Standard Operating Procedures is what is required to move the process forward, we will ensure the appropriate government institutions are brought into the discussions,” he said.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the remaining issues and work towards finalising the agreement.
Although Keyamo will be unavailable due to prior official engagements, he confirmed that senior officials from the Ministry of Aviation will represent Nigeria during the talks.
If concluded, the agreement is expected to pave the way for the launch of direct flights between Nigeria and Canada, improving connectivity for business travellers, tourists, students and the Nigerian diaspora while strengthening trade and investment ties between both countries.