Nigeria, Canada sign expanded air transport deal for direct flights

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Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will allow direct scheduled flights between both countries for the first time, in a move expected to deepen trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people ties.

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The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja by officials of both countries, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Tijjani.

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The signing comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand Nigeria’s international aviation partnerships and improve air connectivity.

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In recent months, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has intensified negotiations with several countries to review Bilateral Air Services Agreements, attract more international airlines and create opportunities for Nigerian carriers under the Federal Government’s aviation reform agenda.

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Direct flights between Nigeria and Canada have long been sought by travellers and businesses due to the large Nigerian community in Canada and the growing volume of trade, education and tourism between both countries.

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According to a statement issued by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, on Thursday, the agreement followed an extensive technical review of the existing Bilateral Air Services framework.

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The statement partly read, “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.

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“The expanded agreement marks a significant milestone in the aviation relationship between Nigeria and Canada. It introduces several important enhancements designed to improve connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.”

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Highlighting the key provisions of the agreement, the statement noted that it provides “The right for Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries,” with “a capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country.”

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It further stated that the agreement grants “Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline’s home country.”

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The ministry expressed optimism that the agreement would transform air travel between the two countries.

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It continued, “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.”

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The statement also underscored the significance of the agreement for Nigerians studying and living in Canada.

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It added, “The development is particularly significant given the growing people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and Canada. As of 31 March 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians hold valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s major international student source countries. The enhanced aviation framework is expected to further support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment, and family reunification.”

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The ministry noted that the Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was initially negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement before it was formally signed in March 2025, adding that the latest pact represents the first major expansion of the bilateral air services framework in more than a decade.

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