Nigeria and Canada Move Closer to Direct Flights as Bilateral Air Services Agreement Nears Completion

Nigeria and Canada have taken another significant step toward launching direct flight services as both countries intensify negotiations to finalize a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that could transform air travel, trade, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following a high-level meeting in Abuja with David Sproule, Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, and officials from the Canadian High Commission.

According to the statement, both governments are working to establish the legal and operational framework needed to begin direct air services between Nigeria and Canada—a move that has been widely anticipated due to the growing number of travelers between the two countries.

Speaking during the meeting, Keyamo welcomed the progress made so far, describing direct flights between Nigeria and Canada as an initiative whose time has long come. He noted that thousands of Nigerians travel to Canada every week but are currently forced to make connecting flights through Europe or the United States because there is no direct route linking the two countries.

The minister emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to expanding Nigeria’s international aviation network by opening new global routes that improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger convenience, and strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people relationships.

While discussions on the air services agreement have advanced considerably, Keyamo explained that certain immigration-related issues still require coordination with other government agencies.

He clarified that matters involving immigration procedures and the repatriation of individuals are outside the direct responsibility of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities.

According to the minister, the aviation ministry is prepared to facilitate collaboration among the necessary government institutions if resolving those issues is essential to completing the agreement and launching direct flights.

On the Canadian side, Sproule disclosed that a senior delegation from Canada is expected to visit Nigeria during the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed BASA and address the remaining outstanding issues.

He stressed the importance of incorporating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into the broader agreement, particularly regarding the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are no longer legally entitled to remain in Canada.

The Canadian envoy explained that establishing clear immigration procedures would strengthen cooperation between both governments and help remove one of the key obstacles delaying the final approvals required for direct flight operations.

He also noted that the introduction of direct flights is expected to significantly increase passenger traffic between Nigeria and Canada, making it necessary for both countries to have efficient immigration enforcement and repatriation frameworks in place before commercial services begin.

The discussions reflect the growing diplomatic and economic relationship between the two nations, with both governments recognizing the benefits that direct air connectivity could bring to business, education, tourism, and family travel.

Officials from Nigeria and Canada have agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where they are expected to resolve the remaining issues and work toward concluding a mutually beneficial agreement.

If finalized, the Bilateral Air Services Agreement would pave the way for the launch of direct flights between Nigeria and Canada, ending years of reliance on connecting routes and providing travelers with faster, more convenient access between both countries while strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.