Nigeria, Canada Open New Skies for Direct Flights

Expanded air agreement is expected to improve connectivity, boost trade and deepen business ties between both countries.

ABUJA — Nigeria and Canada have expanded their bilateral air transport agreement, paving the way for scheduled direct flights between the two countries for the first time.

The agreement, announced on August 6, 2026, is being seen as an important step in strengthening Nigeria-Canada relations by making travel, trade and business connections easier. Canada’s Transport Ministry said expanded air transport agreements can strengthen trade and investment while improving international connectivity.

Under the expanded arrangement, airlines from both countries will be able to operate direct scheduled services, while passenger and cargo capacity will also be expanded. The agreement is expected to support tourism, education, business travel and the movement of goods between Nigeria and Canada.

The development is particularly significant for the large Nigerian community in Canada and the thousands of Nigerians who travel to the country for education, business and family purposes. Direct flights could reduce the need for passengers to travel through third countries before reaching their destinations.

The agreement could also create new opportunities for exporters and businesses. Nigeria and Canada have maintained growing commercial ties, with Canada ranking among Nigeria’s leading trading partners in Africa. Canadian government figures show that bilateral merchandise trade was worth more than $3 billion in 2025.

Nigeria’s exports to Canada include agricultural products such as cocoa and soya beans, while Canada supplies Nigeria with products including wheat and other goods. Improved air connectivity could make business travel faster and support the movement of time-sensitive cargo.

The agreement also comes after years of discussions over direct air connectivity. The previous arrangement allowed codeshare services but did not permit airlines to operate direct flights between Nigeria and Canada.

Air Canada has indicated plans to begin scheduled service to Lagos in 2027, subject to the necessary arrangements.

For Nigeria, the expanded agreement represents more than a change in aviation policy. It could strengthen people-to-people connections, encourage investment and open another channel for economic cooperation.