Nigeria, Canada expand air deal, facilitate direct flights

Nigeria and Canada have expanded their bilateral air transport framework, paving the way for scheduled direct air services between the two countries and creating new opportunities for passenger and cargo operations.

The agreement, signed on Thursday in Abuja, provides for multiple airlines from both countries to operate scheduled services and establishes capacity for passenger and cargo flights.

It also provides for up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for designated airlines from each country.

The agreement is expected to improve air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada while supporting trade, tourism, education, investment and stronger people-to-people relations.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented at the signing by the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani.

Mr Tijjani signed the agreement with Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada, Shendra Melia, at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.

The signing followed a technical review session in which officials from both countries examined the existing bilateral air services framework and agreed to expand it.

Shift towards direct connectivity

The new arrangement represents a significant expansion of the aviation relationship between Nigeria and Canada.

The two countries first negotiated an air transport agreement in 2014, but the framework was initially limited to code-sharing arrangements rather than direct scheduled flights.

The agreement was formally signed in March 2025, providing a framework for airlines to market services operated by partner carriers.

The latest expansion changes that framework by allowing designated airlines from both…