Nigeria and Canada have renewed efforts to strengthen aviation ties as both countries advance discussions on the commencement of direct flight operations between the two nations.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule.
According to a statement from the minister’s office, the meeting focused on expanding bilateral air services and establishing a framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada.
Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation will visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other related matters.
The Canadian envoy also proposed the inclusion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the cooperation framework to facilitate the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada. He said the measure would strengthen collaboration on immigration issues and help resolve one of the remaining obstacles to the commencement of direct flights.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the prospect of direct flight operations, noting that there has been sustained demand among Nigerian travellers over the years.
He observed that many Nigerians travelling to Canada currently have to transit through Europe or the United States due to the absence of direct air links.
“The aviation component is one aspect of the discussions, while the immigration-related issues require the involvement of other relevant ministries,” the minister said.
“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.”
Keyamo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding international air connectivity, reducing travel time and strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Canada.
He, however, noted that immigration and deportation matters fall outside the mandate of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and would require the involvement of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies.
Both countries agreed to continue discussions during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the outstanding issues. Although Keyamo said he would be unavailable due to prior official engagements, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior officials of the ministry would represent Nigeria and continue the negotiations.