Nigeria, Canada Expand Air Transport Agreement After Talks on Direct Flights
Editor’s update, 6 November 2026: This report was first published while Nigeria and Canada were negotiating a revised aviation framework. Both governments subsequently announced the expanded agreement on 6 August 2026.
Nigeria and Canada agreed in August 2026 to expand their air transport arrangements, creating the regulatory framework for airlines designated by the two countries to operate direct scheduled passenger and cargo flights.
The development followed bilateral talks in Abuja involving Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires, David Sproule.
At a meeting reported on 30 July, the two sides discussed obstacles to direct air services, including aviation arrangements and immigration-related procedures. The Canadian delegation indicated that further bilateral meetings would take place in early August.
On 6 August 2026, Transport Canada formally announced the expanded agreement, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen trade, travel and commercial links between the countries. Nigeria’s High Commission in Ottawa also confirmed the deal.
Under the agreement, each country may designate more than one airline for scheduled services. The framework permits up to 14 passenger flights per week and 10 dedicated cargo flights per week for airlines of each country, alongside specified cargo traffic rights.
The agreement is significant for travellers who currently rely on connecting flights through third countries to travel between Nigeria and Canada. Direct services could reduce journey times, but the agreement itself does not establish that any particular airline has started operating a bookable nonstop route.
Airlines still need to announce actual routes, schedules, tickets and operating arrangements before passengers can book regular direct services.
Sources: Transport Canada’s announcement, 6 August 2026; Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa’s announcement; Contemporaneous account of the July negotiations.
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