Nigeria, Canada Intensify Talks on Direct
By Admin, Lagos
Nigeria and Canada have stepped up efforts to establish direct commercial flights between both countries, with fresh negotiations expected to move the long-awaited initiative closer to reality.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding air connectivity during a meeting in Abuja with Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires, David Sproule.
Keyamo said the proposed direct flights would significantly reduce travel time, strengthen trade and investment, and provide a more convenient travel option for thousands of Nigerians who currently travel through Europe or the United States before reaching Canada.
”The Federal Government remains committed to improving air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada. Direct flights will enhance business opportunities, promote tourism and make travel easier for our citizens,” the minister said.
Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires, David Sproule, disclosed that Canada will send another high-level delegation to Nigeria in August to continue discussions, including immigration and other regulatory requirements that must be addressed before direct flight operations can commence.
According to him, both countries are determined to build on the progress already made through their existing aviation cooperation.
The two sides agreed to continue negotiations at a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, with the goal of finalising the framework needed to launch direct air services between Nigeria and Canada.
The renewed discussions come amid growing economic and people-to-people ties between both countries. Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, recently said both nations were actively working towards direct commercial flights, expressing optimism that the route would soon become a reality.
”Canada and Nigeria have advanced a bilateral air transport relationship to a codeshare arrangement. But the possibility of direct flights remains under consideration. I think it’s fair to say that we’re working towards that,” he said.
He added, “I myself would like to have the ability to take a flight from Lagos directly to Toronto rather than have to go through a third location.”
The push for direct connectivity follows the code-share agreement signed by both countries in 2025 and aligns with the Government’s broader strategy of strengthening international air links while creating more opportunities for Nigerian airlines to operate on lucrative overseas routes.1