The Federal Government of Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded bilateral air services agreement (BASA) that will permit scheduled direct flights between the two countries, a move expected to significantly improve air connectivity, trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations.
The agreement, signed on Thursday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, provides for multiple designated airlines from both nations to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services. Under the new framework, each country can designate airlines to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both sides. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani. Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada, Shendra Melia, signed on behalf of the Canadian government.
From code-sharing to full direct services
The expansion marks a significant shift from the previous arrangement. The two countries initially negotiated an air transport agreement in 2014, but that framework was limited to code-sharing arrangements, meaning airlines could market seats on flights operated by partner carriers but could not operate their own direct scheduled services.
That agreement was formally signed in March 2025. However, the latest expansion changes the game by allowing designated airlines from both countries to operate direct scheduled flights between Nigeria and Canada. This provides the legal basis for airlines to pursue direct operations, although the signing itself does not mean such flights will begin immediately. Airlines must still be designated by their respective governments and meet all regulatory, operational, and commercial requirements before launching services.
Benefits for passengers and cargo
For travellers, direct scheduled services could eliminate the need for connecting flights through third countries, making journeys between Nigeria and Canada more convenient. This is particularly significant for Nigerians travelling to Canada for education, business, tourism, and family visits, as well as Canadians heading to Nigeria for business and other purposes.
The education link is a major driver. According to information provided by the Federal Government, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of 31 March 2026. Improved air connectivity will make it easier for these students and their families to travel.
The expanded framework also boosts cargo operations. Designated airlines can operate up to 10 weekly all-cargo services, and fifth-freedom traffic rights have been granted for cargo operations. Fifth-freedom rights allow an airline to carry traffic between two foreign countries as part of a service that originates or terminates in its home country. This provision could create additional options for moving goods between the two countries, strengthening commercial links for Nigerian and Canadian businesses.
Wider economic ties and competition
The expanded aviation agreement comes as Nigeria and Canada seek to deepen economic relations beyond air travel. Improved connectivity can support tourism, facilitate business travel, encourage investment, and make it easier for people and goods to move between the two markets.
The Nigerian delegation at the signing included the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani; the Director of Legal Services, Jummai Yahaya; and the Director of Air Transport Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe. The Canadian delegation was led by Shendra Melia and included officials from Global Affairs Canada and Transport Canada.
The expanded framework gives airlines from both countries greater room to compete, as each country can designate multiple carriers rather than restricting scheduled operations to a single airline. For Nigeria, the development also fits into the Federal Government’s wider effort to expand international air connectivity and secure new routes that can support tourism, trade, and investment.
The agreement now provides the framework for airlines on both sides to pursue direct scheduled services, potentially bringing an end to years of reliance on connecting routes for travellers moving between Nigeria and Canada.
