Nigeria and Canada have expanded their bilateral Air Transport Agreement, paving the way for direct scheduled passenger flights between the two countries in a move expected to strengthen trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people ties.
The agreement, announced by the governments of both countries, allows airlines from Nigeria and Canada to operate direct passenger services for the first time under an enhanced aviation framework. Officials said the expanded deal will also increase cargo capacity, creating new opportunities for businesses that rely on faster and more efficient air freight.
Under the revised agreement, each country may designate multiple airlines to operate up to 14 scheduled passenger flights and 10 all-cargo flights every week. The arrangement also grants greater operational flexibility for cargo carriers through fifth freedom traffic rights, enabling them to transport freight between third countries on certain international routes.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve international air connectivity and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
“This expanded agreement reflects our commitment to improving connectivity, supporting economic growth and creating more opportunities for travellers and businesses in both countries,” Keyamo said.
Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Steven MacKinnon, said stronger air links would deepen commercial and cultural ties between the two nations while making travel more convenient.
“Canada is pleased to strengthen its aviation relationship with Nigeria. Expanded air services will improve connectivity, support economic activity and give travellers and businesses more options,” MacKinnon said.
The agreement is expected to benefit thousands of Nigerians living in Canada, one of the country’s fastest-growing African diaspora communities. Direct flights could significantly reduce travel times by eliminating the need for connecting services through Europe, the Middle East or the United States.
Business leaders also welcomed the development, saying improved air access would encourage investment, facilitate trade and support sectors including education, technology, agriculture and tourism. Canada has become an increasingly important destination for Nigerian students, professionals and entrepreneurs, while bilateral trade between the two countries has continued to grow in recent years.
The aviation partnership builds on years of negotiations between Abuja and Ottawa. The two countries first concluded an Air Transport Agreement in 2014, which was formally signed in 2025. The latest expansion reflects rising demand for passenger travel and cargo services as economic and diplomatic relations continue to strengthen.
Industry analysts say the success of the agreement will ultimately depend on how quickly airlines move to launch direct routes. Several Nigerian and Canadian carriers are expected to evaluate commercial opportunities under the new framework, although neither government has announced a start date for the first direct flights.
The expanded pact also aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to modernize its aviation sector, attract international carriers and improve connectivity with key global markets. For Canada, the agreement supports its policy of expanding international air services to promote trade and economic growth.
As airlines prepare to take advantage of the new operating rights, officials in both countries expressed confidence that the agreement will foster closer cooperation and deliver long-term benefits for travellers, businesses and the wider economies of Nigeria and Canada.
