Nigeria, Canada sign landmark aviation deal to launch direct flights
Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded bilateral air transport agreement expected to pave the way for the commencement of direct scheduled flights between the two countries for the first time.
The agreement was formalised on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, and Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia.
Tijjani represented the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the signing ceremony.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the revised agreement followed a technical review of the existing bilateral air services arrangement by officials from Nigeria and Canada.
The updated framework allows both countries to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services on the route.
“A capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country,” the statement reads.
“The granting of 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.”
The ministry said the enhanced agreement is expected to significantly improve air connectivity by facilitating direct flights, reducing travel time, enhancing passenger convenience, cutting logistics costs and strengthening trade, cultural and economic relations between Nigeria and Canada.
Moshood added that the new aviation arrangement would further promote educational exchanges, tourism, investment, business travel and family reunions between citizens of both nations.
“The Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was originally negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement and formally signed in March 2025,” he said.
“The current agreement represents the first major expansion of the bilateral air services framework since its negotiation over a decade ago.”
The latest development comes after the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development announced plans to resume discussions with Canadian authorities on August 6 to address outstanding issues that had delayed the commencement of direct flight operations between the two countries
