Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that establishes the legal framework for direct scheduled passenger and cargo flights between both nations. The agreement, signed on August 6, 2026, allows each country to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights, transitioning from the previous code-share-only arrangement.
The bilateral deal was signed in Abuja by Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director of Air Transport Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on behalf of Nigeria's Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada, signed for the Canadian government.
Expanding Market Access and Cargo Rights
The newly expanded agreement introduces substantial operating rights for both passenger and cargo carriers. Under the terms of the deal, multiple airlines can now be designated by both Nigeria and Canada to operate scheduled services.
In addition to the 14 weekly passenger flights, each country is permitted to run up to 10 weekly all-cargo flights. Cargo airlines will also enjoy fifth freedom traffic rights, allowing them to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in their home country.
Canada’s Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, stated that the agreement will create new opportunities for Canadian airlines and offer travellers more choices. Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, also noted that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s growing importance as a commercial partner and will strengthen family and business ties.
Surging Trade and Student Demographics
The agreement comes at a time of rising economic and social exchange between the two countries. According to the Canadian government, Nigeria is Canada’s third-largest bilateral air market in Africa, trailing only Morocco and Algeria, with passenger traffic more than doubling over the past decade.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Canada was Nigeria’s ninth-largest trading partner in the first quarter of 2026. Bilateral trade during this period was valued at N775.40 billion, with Nigeria exporting N670.29 billion worth of goods and importing N105.11 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of N565.17 billion for Nigeria.
Furthermore, educational ties continue to expand rapidly. As of March 31, 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, representing a major demographic driving the demand for direct flights.
Path to Direct Commercial Flights
This agreement formalizes discussions that have been ongoing for several months. In July 2026, Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, disclosed at a Lagos Business School event that both governments were actively reviewing the bilateral air services agreement to enable direct flights.
The new framework updates the original Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement, which was first negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement and formally signed in March 2025. While the legal framework is now established, designated airlines from both countries must still secure regulatory approvals before commencing direct flights.
