Nigeria and Canada Sign Direct Flight Agreement
Travelling between Nigeria and Canada is set to become much easier following the signing of a new and expanded Air Transport Agreement that paves the way for direct scheduled flights between both countries for the first time.
The agreement, signed in Abuja by representatives of Nigeria and Canada, significantly updates the existing bilateral air services arrangement. Under the new terms, multiple airlines from both countries will be permitted to operate up to 14 passenger flights and 10 cargo flights each week. The deal also includes Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo services, creating greater flexibility for international freight operations.
Beyond making travel more convenient, the agreement is expected to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties by boosting trade, tourism, business travel, investment, and educational exchanges. It also comes at a crucial time, with more than 25,000 Nigerians currently holding valid Canadian study permits, many of whom are expected to benefit from improved air connectivity.
The newly signed agreement represents the most significant upgrade to the Nigeria–Canada Air Transport framework since the original bilateral arrangement was negotiated in 2014, marking a major milestone in the growing relationship between the two countries.
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