…Keyamo, Sproule Meet In Abuja
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria and Canada have taken another major step towards launching direct flights between both countries, with fresh diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the remaining issues delaying the long-awaited air link.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening aviation ties with Canada when he received the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule, and his delegation in Abuja.
The Canadian delegation included the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, and the Trade Commissioner, Funmike Sojinuga.
Discussions centred on expanding bilateral air services and creating the framework required for the commencement of direct commercial flights between Nigeria and Canada, a route that has been demanded for years by thousands of travellers, business executives and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Speaking during the meeting, Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation would visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue negotiations on the proposed Air Services Agreement and other outstanding issues.
A key aspect of the discussions was Canada’s request for the inclusion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering the processing and return of Nigerian nationals who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada.
According to the Canadian envoy, the proposed procedures would strengthen cooperation between both governments on immigration matters and help remove one of the major obstacles to obtaining final approval for direct flight operations.
He explained that direct flights could significantly increase passenger traffic between both countries, making it necessary to establish clear immigration and repatriation procedures before services begin.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the progress made so far and expressed optimism that direct flights would soon become a reality.
He noted that demand for a direct Nigeria-Canada route has remained consistently high, with thousands of Nigerians travelling weekly through Europe or the United States because no airline currently operates nonstop services between the two countries.
The minister said direct flights would improve connectivity, reduce travel time, offer greater convenience to passengers and deepen economic, commercial and cultural relations between Nigeria and Canada.
“The aviation component is one aspect of the discussions, while the immigration-related issues require the involvement of other relevant ministries,” Keyamo said.
He added, “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, however, explained that immigration and deportation issues fall outside the constitutional responsibilities of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies.
Both countries agreed to continue negotiations during a bilateral meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, where officials are expected to address the outstanding issues and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
Although Keyamo said he would be unavailable because of prior official engagements, he assured the Canadian delegation that senior officials of the ministry would represent Nigeria and continue discussions on behalf of the Federal Government.
If concluded, the agreement is expected to open a new chapter in air transport relations between Nigeria and Canada by providing direct connectivity for travellers, boosting tourism, facilitating trade and investment, strengthening business links and making travel easier for the large Nigerian community in Canada.
The latest engagement underscores the growing diplomatic and aviation partnership between both countries as they seek to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock new economic opportunities through improved air connectivity.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
