Nigeria, Canada step up talks on direct flights, air services agreement

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening aviation cooperation with Canada as both countries intensify discussions on establishing direct flight operations and concluding a long-awaited Air Services Agreement aimed at strengthening connectivity, trade and bilateral relations.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, gave the assurance while receiving David Sproule, Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, the meeting centred on expanding bilateral air services between Nigeria and Canada, with particular emphasis on creating the framework required to commence direct flights between the two countries.

Speaking during the meeting, Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation is scheduled to visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue diplomatic engagements on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other outstanding issues.

He said Canada was 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 SOPs would strengthen collaboration between both governments on immigration-related matters and address one of the outstanding issues delaying approvals for direct flight operations.

Sproule noted that the introduction of direct air services is expected to increase passenger traffic between both countries, making it necessary to establish effective immigration enforcement and repatriation procedures in advance.

Responding, Keyamo expressed optimism about the prospects of launching direct flights, noting that demand for non-stop air services between Nigeria and Canada has remained consistently high over the years.

He observed that passenger traffic data shows that thousands of travellers flying between both countries are currently compelled to transit through Europe or the United States because of the absence of direct air links.

The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to opening new international routes that will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger convenience and strengthen economic, commercial and people-to-people ties.

While acknowledging Canada’s concerns over the proposed Standard Operating Procedures, Keyamo explained that immigration and deportation matters fall outside the constitutional mandate of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

He said the issues 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 during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the remaining issues and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

Although Keyamo indicated that prior official engagements would prevent him from attending the meeting, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior officials of the ministry would represent Nigeria and continue the discussions on behalf of the Federal Government.