Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will allow direct scheduled flights between the two countries for the first time, a development expected to boost trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja by officials of both governments. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented at the signing by the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Tijjani.
The new pact forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform programme aimed at expanding international partnerships, improving air connectivity and attracting more foreign airlines to operate in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the agreement followed an extensive technical review of the existing bilateral aviation arrangement between both countries.
“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,” the statement said.
The ministry described the agreement as a significant milestone in aviation relations between Nigeria and Canada, noting that it introduces several measures designed to improve connectivity, support tourism, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.
Under the arrangement, both governments will be able to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services between Nigeria and Canada. The agreement also provides for 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for designated carriers from each country.
In addition, the pact grants fifth freedom traffic rights for all-cargo operations, enabling cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries where the service either originates from or terminates in the airline’s home country.
The Federal Government said the agreement is expected to make travel between Nigeria and Canada more efficient by reducing journey times, lowering logistics costs and improving convenience for passengers and businesses.
“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,” the ministry stated.
Direct flights between the two countries have long been sought by travellers, businesses and members of the Nigerian community in Canada, particularly as economic, educational and tourism links between both nations continue to grow.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of the agreement for Nigerians studying, working and living in Canada. It noted that more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of March 31, 2026, making Nigeria one of Canada’s major sources of international students.
According to the government, the improved aviation framework is expected to support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment opportunities and family reunification between the two countries.
The Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was originally negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement and was formally signed in March 2025. The latest deal represents the first major expansion of the bilateral air services framework between Nigeria and Canada in more than a decade.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for airlines from both countries to begin preparations for direct passenger and cargo operations once the necessary regulatory and commercial arrangements are completed.
