The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening aviation cooperation with Canada as both countries intensify discussions aimed at establishing direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada.
The Minister gave the assurance while receiving the Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, His Excellency David Sproule, who led a delegation comprising the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, and the Trade Commissioner, Ms. Funmike Sojinuga, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Minister noted.
The meeting focused primarily on the expansion of bilateral air services between both countries, with particular emphasis on creating a framework that would pave the way for the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Canada.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation is scheduled to visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue bilateral diplomatic engagements on the proposed Air Services Agreement and related issues.
The Canadian envoy also raised the issue of incorporating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into the broader framework of cooperation between both countries to facilitate the streamlined processing and removal of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.
According to him, the proposed SOP would strengthen collaboration between both governments on immigration-related matters and remove what Canada considers one of the remaining impediments to securing the necessary approvals for direct flight operations between the two countries.
Ambassador Sproule further expressed concerns that the introduction of direct flights could naturally lead to increased passenger traffic, thereby placing additional pressure on existing immigration enforcement and repatriation mechanisms if adequate procedures are not established beforehand.
Responding, the Honourable Minister expressed excitement over the prospects of launching direct flights between Nigeria and Canada, noting that the demand from Nigerians has remained consistently high for several years.
The Minister observed that available passenger traffic statistics clearly indicate that thousands of travellers heading to Canada every week are compelled to transit through Europe or the United States due to the absence of direct air links.
He emphasized that from an aviation perspective, the Federal Government is committed to opening new international routes that will improve connectivity, enhance passenger convenience, reduce travel time, and strengthen economic and people-to-people relations between both nations.
While acknowledging Canada’s concerns regarding the proposed Standard Operating Procedures, the Minister explained that immigration and deportation matters fall outside the constitutional responsibilities of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He noted that such issues would require inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies.
“The aviation component is one aspect of the discussions, 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,” the Minister stated.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue negotiations during the scheduled bilateral meeting fixed for August 6, 2026, where officials from both countries are expected to address the outstanding issues and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
Although the Honourable Minister indicated that he would be unavailable for the meeting due to prior official engagements, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior officials of the Ministry would represent Nigeria and continue the discussions on behalf of the Federal Government.
The meeting marks another significant step in the growing diplomatic and aviation partnership between Nigeria and Canada and reinforces the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening air connectivity, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and promoting closer bilateral relations.
