By Nathaniel Irobi
Nigeria and Canada have taken significant steps toward establishing direct flight operations between both countries, with high-level talks advancing in Abuja on Wednesday.
This came as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on Wednesday hosted the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule, at his office, where both sides deliberated on a framework to operationalize direct air connectivity.
The Canadian envoy revealed that a high-level delegation from Ottawa is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria in the first week of August to continue discussions on the proposed Air Services Agreement. He also noted that establishing Standard Operating Procedures on immigration matters would be critical to securing the necessary approvals for direct flights.
Sproule explained that the proposed SOPs would enhance bilateral cooperation on immigration-related issues, particularly regarding the removal of Nigerian nationals not legally entitled to remain in Canada. He expressed concerns that direct flights could lead to increased passenger traffic, potentially straining existing enforcement mechanisms if adequate protocols were not put in place beforehand.
In his response, Keyamo welcomed the prospect of direct flights, describing it as a long-overdue development. He noted that passenger statistics show thousands of Nigerian travellers heading to Canada weekly are forced to transit through European or American airports due to the absence of direct connections.
The Minister affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding international routes to improve passenger convenience, cut travel time, and strengthen bilateral ties. However, he clarified that immigration and deportation issues fall outside the constitutional mandate of the Aviation Ministry and would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies.
“The aviation component is one aspect, while the immigration-related issues require the involvement of other relevant ministries. We are prepared to facilitate those engagements because if reaching an understanding on the SOP is what is required to move the process forward, then we will ensure the appropriate government institutions are brought into the discussions,” Keyamo said.
Both parties agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026. Although Keyamo will be unavailable due to prior commitments, senior officials from the Ministry will represent Nigeria at the talks.
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