Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled flights between the two countries, marking a major step toward strengthening trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people ties.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja by officials from both countries. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Tijjani.
The development forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform agenda aimed at expanding international aviation partnerships, improving air connectivity and creating more opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
In recent months, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has intensified discussions with several countries to review existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), increase access to international routes and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers.
Direct flights between Nigeria and Canada have long been sought by travellers, businesses and the Nigerian community in Canada, particularly as trade, educational exchanges and tourism between both countries continue to grow.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the agreement followed an extensive technical review of the existing bilateral aviation framework.
“In a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral aviation relations and expanding economic cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled air services between both countries,” the statement said.
The ministry described the agreement as a significant milestone in aviation relations between the two countries, noting that it introduces measures aimed at improving connectivity, boosting tourism, facilitating trade and creating new opportunities for airlines and businesses.
Under the agreement, both Nigeria and Canada will be allowed to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services between the two countries. It also provides for 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for designated airlines from each country.
The pact further grants fifth freedom traffic rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries as part of a service that begins or ends in the airline’s home country.
The Federal Government said the expanded agreement is expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, lower logistics costs and strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Nigeria and Canada.
“The agreement is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada by paving the way for the commencement of direct flights, thereby reducing travel time, improving passenger convenience, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening commercial and cultural ties between both nations,” the ministry stated.
The government also highlighted the importance of the agreement for Nigerians living, working and studying in Canada. As of March 31, 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s leading sources of international students.
According to the ministry, the enhanced aviation framework will support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment opportunities and family reunification between the two countries.
The Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was first negotiated in 2014 as a code-share arrangement before being formally signed in March 2025. The latest deal represents the first major expansion of the bilateral aviation framework between both countries in more than a decade.