Nigeria and Canada have taken a major step towards easier travel and stronger economic ties with the signing of an expanded Air Transport Agreement designed to pave the way for direct scheduled passenger and cargo flights between the two countries.
The agreement, signed in Abuja following extensive technical discussions, is expected to make travel between Nigeria and Canada more convenient, reduce journey times, improve cargo movement and create fresh opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, education and other strategic sectors.
For thousands of Nigerians who travel to Canada for education, business, family engagements and other purposes, the agreement could eventually mean more convenient travel options, while Canadian businesses and travellers are also expected to benefit from improved access to the Nigerian market.
The agreement was formalised by officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada after both sides concluded a comprehensive review of their existing Bilateral Air Services framework.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), at the signing ceremony was the Director of Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mohammed Tijjani. He signed the agreement alongside Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia, at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja.
The signing followed the Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Worksession, where officials from both countries examined the existing aviation arrangements and agreed on measures to deepen air transport cooperation.
The review process culminated in the signing of the Agreed Minutes, which provide the framework for implementing the expanded partnership.
Nigeria’s delegation included the Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Jummai Yahaya; the Director of Air Transport Regulation at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe; and other senior officials involved in aviation policy and regulation.
The Canadian delegation was led by Shendra Melia and included Jathorsan Lingarajan, Trade Policy Officer at Global Affairs Canada, and Steven Worth, Manager and Senior Policy Advisor at Transport Canada, among other officials.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, the expanded agreement introduces new provisions aimed at modernising the aviation relationship between Nigeria and Canada.
A key provision creates a pathway for the commencement of direct scheduled passenger and cargo flights between the two countries. If implemented, the arrangement is expected to offer travellers greater convenience while strengthening the movement of goods and supporting the growth of bilateral commerce.
Beyond aviation, the agreement is expected to deepen people-to-people connections and strengthen cooperation across tourism, education, trade and investment.
The improved air links could particularly support educational exchanges, considering the significant number of Nigerian students pursuing academic programmes in Canada. Easier connectivity could also make it simpler for families, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals to maintain stronger links between both countries.
For airlines, the expanded framework provides greater operational flexibility and creates room for route development and commercial partnerships.
Industry observers also expect the agreement to generate wider economic benefits for aviation, logistics, hospitality, tourism and related businesses, while contributing to stronger economic integration between Nigeria and Canada.
The Federal Government described the agreement as another important milestone in its efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector, strengthen international air transport partnerships and position the country as a major aviation hub in Africa.
With the framework now established, Nigeria and Canada are expected to work with aviation regulators and industry stakeholders towards implementing its provisions and paving the way for direct flight operations.
The agreement therefore goes beyond aviation: it offers a potential new bridge for Nigerians and Canadians to travel, study, do business, move goods and build stronger connections between both countries.
