Nigeria and Canada have expanded their air transport agreement, paving the way for direct flights between the two countries for the first time.
The federal government announced the updated agreement Thursday saying the move is aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening trade and investment, and creating new opportunities for airlines, businesses and travellers.
Under the expanded agreement, Canada and Nigeria will each be able to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries.
The agreement also provides for up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for airlines from each country, along with fifth freedom rights for all-cargo services, allowing airlines to operate cargo flights between two foreign countries provided the flight either begins or ends in the airline’s home country.
“By expanding our air transport agreements, we are creating new opportunities for Canadian airlines and giving travellers more choice. The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and making it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, in a press release.
Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, said the agreement reflects the importance of Canada’s relationship with Nigeria.
“I’ve seen that strength firsthand in communities like Brampton, home to one of the largest Nigerian Canadian communities in the country. As a key economic partner, Nigeria offers opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers, while providing access to a growing market and expanding industries. This agreement will help deepen our commercial partnership, support Canada’s trade diversification, and bring families and communities closer together,” stated Sidhu.
Air Canada is applauding the news, sharing Thursday (Aug. 6) that it intends to launch scheduled service to Lagos in 2027 and is starting the process to obtaining the necessary government approvals to operate commercial flights to Nigeria.
“We welcome this expanded Air Transport Agreement and look forward to obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin service to Lagos, Nigeria in the coming year,” said Mary-Jane Lorette, VP, revenue management, partnerships, and international affairs at Air Canada, in a press release.
Details including schedules and aircraft will be announced in due course and remains subject to receipt of government approval and completion of applicable processes to operate in Nigeria.
Nigeria, which has a population of more than 237 million people, is one of Africa’s largest economies and is recognized for its growing entrepreneurial sector driven by a young population.
According to the federal government, more than 25,000 Nigerians held Canadian study permits as of March 31, 2026.
The original Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, which allowed only code-share services, was negotiated in 2014 and signed in March 2025.
The latest announcement marks the first expansion of the agreement since it was negotiated.
Nigeria ranked as Canada’s 38th-largest international air transport market in 2025 and is now the country’s third-largest bilateral air market in Africa, behind Morocco and Algeria.
