Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded air transport agreement that clears the path for direct scheduled flights for the first time while strengthening trade, tourism, investment and educational exchanges between both countries.
The landmark agreement was signed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral aviation relations and expand economic cooperation.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was represented at the signing ceremony by the Director of Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Mohammed Tijjani, who joined the Canadian Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Ms Shendra Melia, at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja to formalise the historic agreement.
The signing followed an extensive Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Worksession, during which both delegations reviewed the existing Bilateral Air Services framework and reached a consensus that culminated in the signing of the Agreed Minutes.
The Nigerian delegation comprised Tijjani, Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mrs Jummai Yahaya; Director, Air Transport Regulation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, alongside other senior government officials.
The Canadian delegation was led by Ms. Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada, and included Mr. Jathorsan Lingarajan, Trade Policy Officer, Global Affairs Canada, and Mr. Steven Worth, Manager and Senior Policy Advisor, Transport Canada, among other officials.
“The expanded agreement marks a significant milestone in the aviation relationship between Nigeria and Canada,” a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Tunde Moshood, on Thursday.
“It introduces several important enhancements designed to improve connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.”
