PHOTOS: Nigeria, Canada in talks over direct flights, aviation sector collaboration

Nigeria and the government of Canada are in talks over the possibility of connecting both nations through direct flights.

The two nations also discussed potential business collaboration in the aviation sector when Jamie Christoff, Canadian high commissioner to Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to Festus Keyamo, the country’s minister of aviation.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gbenga Saka, special adviser on digital communications to the minister, said the discussions also covered the shortage of aircraft for local operators and the establishment of a direct bilateral aviation safety agreement (BASA) route to Canada.

Saka said the minister expressed keen interest in the route, while the high commissioner affirmed its viability, citing the high number of students and tourists as well as a busy visa office in Nigeria as indicators of potential success.

“Canada, with its large aviation sector, sees this route as mutually beneficial for both nations,” Saka said.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Keyamo said the discussion covered a variety of aviation-related topics affecting both countries.

He said they resolved to nominate focal persons on both sides to prepare the grounds for further engagements on these issues.

Here are photos from the meeting.