Nigeria and Canada have taken a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties by signing an expanded air transport agreement that will pave the way for direct scheduled flights between the two countries for the first time.
The landmark agreement, signed in Abuja, is expected to improve air connectivity, boost trade, promote tourism, encourage investment, and strengthen educational and cultural exchanges between both nations.
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada formalised the agreement as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral aviation cooperation and modernise the existing air services framework.
Representing Nigeria at the signing ceremony was Mohammed Tijjani, who signed on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, **Festus Keyamo>. Tijjani joined Shendra Melia, who represented the Canadian government, during the ceremony held at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja.
The agreement followed an extensive Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Worksession, where officials from both countries reviewed the existing Bilateral Air Services framework and reached a consensus that resulted in the signing of the agreed terms.
Nigeria’s delegation also included senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, while Canada’s team featured representatives from Global Affairs Canada and Transport Canada.
According to a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the expanded agreement marks a major milestone in aviation relations between the two countries.
The revised framework introduces several improvements designed to enhance connectivity and create more opportunities for airlines, businesses, investors, and travellers. One of its most notable provisions allows both Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled passenger services between the two countries.
The agreement also provides for up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for designated airlines from each country. In addition, it grants Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for cargo operations, enabling airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the flight originates from or returns to the airline’s home country.
Officials believe the agreement will significantly reduce travel time for passengers by making direct flights possible, while also lowering logistics costs for businesses involved in international trade. Improved air links are also expected to strengthen commercial partnerships, encourage tourism, and foster closer cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada.
The development is particularly important given the growing relationship between both countries. According to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of March 31, 2026, making Nigeria one of Canada’s leading sources of international students.
With easier air travel, both governments expect the agreement to further support educational exchanges, business travel, tourism, investment opportunities, and family reunification for citizens living across both countries.
The ministry also noted that the original Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement before it was formally signed in March 2025. The latest agreement represents the first major expansion of that framework in more than a decade and lays the foundation for the launch of direct commercial flights between the two nations.
As both governments work toward implementing the agreement, travellers and businesses are expected to benefit from improved connectivity that could unlock new economic opportunities while bringing Nigeria and Canada closer than ever before.
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