Nigeria and Canada have taken another step toward launching direct commercial flights as both countries intensified discussions on a proposed Air Services Agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral aviation ties.
The renewed commitment emerged during a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, David Sproule, who led a delegation from the Canadian High Commission.
According to officials, the talks focused on establishing a framework that would allow airlines from both countries to operate direct flights, a move expected to improve travel convenience, boost trade and deepen economic and diplomatic relations.
Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation will arrive in Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed agreement and resolve outstanding issues.
The Canadian envoy also raised concerns over immigration procedures, proposing the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve cooperation on the processing and return of Nigerian nationals who are not legally permitted to remain in Canada.
He explained that with direct flights expected to increase passenger traffic, both countries must put effective immigration and repatriation measures in place before flight operations begin.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the progress in the discussions, noting that Nigerians have long demanded direct air links between the two countries.
He observed that many travelers currently endure lengthy journeys through Europe or the United States because no airline operates direct flights between Nigeria and Canada.
The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to expanding international air connectivity, stressing that direct flights would shorten travel time, improve passenger convenience and create fresh opportunities for business and tourism.
On Canada’s immigration concerns, Keyamo clarified that such matters fall under the responsibilities of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies rather than the Aviation Ministry.
However, he assured the Canadian delegation that the Federal Government would coordinate the necessary inter-ministerial engagements to move the process forward.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, where officials are expected to address the remaining issues and work toward finalising the agreement.
Although Keyamo said he would be unavailable due to prior official engagements, he confirmed that senior ministry officials would represent Nigeria at the talks.
