Renewed Commitment to Direct Air Connectivity
Nigeria and Canada have reinvigorated efforts to establish direct flight services between the two countries, as confirmed during a high-level meeting in Abuja. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, David Sproule, led discussions focused on expanding bilateral air services and creating a framework for direct air connectivity.
The talks come after years of stalled progress, with both sides expressing a strong desire to reduce travel time and boost economic ties. According to the minister’s office, the proposed direct flights would serve the large diaspora community and business travelers who currently rely on connecting flights via Europe or the United States.
Canadian Delegation to Visit in August 2026
Sproule announced that a high-level Canadian delegation will visit Nigeria in the first week of August 2026 to continue negotiations on the proposed Air Services Agreement. The meeting, scheduled for August 6, 2026, will address outstanding issues including operational protocols and immigration procedures. Keyamo noted that he would be unavailable due to prior official engagements but assured that senior ministry officials would represent Nigeria.
Standard Operating Procedures Proposed for Repatriation
The Canadian envoy proposed incorporating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into the cooperation framework to facilitate the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals not legally entitled to remain in Canada. Sproule stated that this measure would strengthen collaboration on immigration matters and help remove one of the remaining obstacles to approving direct flight operations.
Keyamo acknowledged that immigration and deportation matters fall outside his ministry’s mandate and require involvement from the Ministry of Interior and other agencies. He said, '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.'
Demand and Benefits of Direct Flights
Keyamo welcomed the prospect of direct flights, noting that demand among Nigerian travellers has remained consistently high. Many passengers currently spend extra time and money transiting through third countries. The minister emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to expanding international connectivity, reducing travel time, and strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Canada.
Both sides agreed to continue negotiations in the August bilateral meeting, where officials will address outstanding issues. The successful launch of direct flights is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
