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Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, pave the way for direct scheduled flights between both countries. The agreement was signed in Abuja by officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Canada’s Global Affairs department following bilateral negotiations aimed at strengthening aviation cooperation. The new framework allows both countries to designate multiple airlines to operate direct services, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve connectivity between Nigeria and Canada.
Under the agreement, airlines from each country will be permitted to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights, while the deal also grants fifth freedom rights for cargo operations, enabling greater flexibility for freight services. Nigerian authorities said the expanded arrangement is expected to boost trade, tourism, investment, educational exchanges and family reunification, noting that more than 25,000 Nigerians currently hold valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada’s largest sources of international students.
The agreement is expected to reduce travel time and eliminate the need for many passengers to transit through third countries before reaching their destinations. Industry stakeholders believe the deal will create new commercial opportunities for airlines, strengthen economic ties and increase passenger traffic between both nations once designated carriers commence operations. Airlines will still be required to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals before launching direct services, but aviation experts have described the agreement as a major step toward expanding Nigeria’s international air transport network.
