The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening aviation cooperation with Canada as both countries intensify discussions on establishing direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission to Nigeria, David Sproule, and his delegation in Abuja.

According to a statement signed in Abuja on Thursday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, the delegation also included the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, and the Trade Commissioner, Funmike Sojinuga.

The meeting focused on expanding bilateral air services and creating a framework for the commencement of direct flights between both countries.

Sproule disclosed that a high-level Canadian delegation is scheduled to visit Nigeria in the first week of August to continue diplomatic engagements on the proposed Air Services Agreement and related issues.

He also raised the issue of incorporating Standard Operating Procedures into the cooperation framework to facilitate the processing and removal of Nigerian nationals not legally entitled to remain in Canada.

According to him, the proposed SOP would strengthen collaboration on immigration matters and address what Canada considers one of the remaining impediments to approving direct flight operations.

The Canadian envoy expressed concern that direct flights would likely lead to increased passenger traffic and place additional pressure on immigration enforcement and repatriation mechanisms if adequate procedures were not in place.

Responding, Keyamo said the demand for direct flights to Canada has remained consistently high among Nigerians. He noted that thousands of travellers heading to Canada weekly are currently forced to transit through Europe or the United States due to the absence of direct links.

“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,” the minister said.

He, however, explained that immigration and deportation matters fall outside the mandate of the Ministry of Aviation and would require inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant 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,” Keyamo stated.

Both sides agreed to continue negotiations during a scheduled bilateral meeting on August 6, where officials are expected to address outstanding issues and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

The minister said he would be unavailable for the meeting due to prior engagements, but assured that senior officials of the ministry would represent Nigeria.

The discussions mark another step in the growing diplomatic and aviation partnership between Nigeria and Canada, with both countries expressing commitment to strengthening air connectivity, trade and investment.

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