Nigeria, Canada Revive Direct Flight Talks

A key aspect of the discussions is Canada's proposal to include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.

Nigeria and Canada will resume negotiations on establishing direct flight operations on August 6, as both countries seek to resolve outstanding issues delaying the launch of air services between them.

The renewed talks were announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with Canada's Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, David Sproule, alongside Deputy High Commissioner Carlos Rojas-Arbulú and Trade Commissioner Funmike Sojinuga, in Abuja.

According to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, discussions centred on expanding bilateral air services and finalising a framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Canada.

Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation will visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed air services agreement and other outstanding issues.

A key aspect of the discussions is Canada's proposal to include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the processing and repatriation of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.

The Canadian envoy said the framework would strengthen bilateral cooperation on immigration and help address one of the major issues delaying approval for direct flight operations. He noted that direct air links are expected to increase passenger traffic, making clear immigration procedures essential.

Responding, Keyamo welcomed the progress in discussions, describing direct flights between both countries as long overdue given the strong demand from Nigerian travellers.

He said thousands of passengers travelling to Canada every week are currently forced to transit through Europe or the United States due to the absence of a direct air connection.

"The Federal Government remains committed to opening new international routes that will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger convenience and deepen economic and people-to-people relations," the minister said.

On Canada's request for immigration-related SOPs, Keyamo explained that such matters fall outside the mandate of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, noting that they require the involvement of the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies.

"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," he said.

Both countries agreed to continue negotiations at the bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the remaining issues and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

Nigeria and Canada first opened discussions on direct flight operations in July 2024, with both governments seeking to establish a direct air link between the two countries.