11 September 2026

Nigeria, Canada Strengthen Cooperation on Migration, Air Transport and Bilateral Relations

Nigeria and Canada have discussed expanding their Air Transport Agreement, which both sides expect would facilitate direct flights between the two countries, at a meeting in Abuja that also addressed Canadian visa processing delays and migration management.

A Nigerian official presenting a gift box bearing the Ministry of Interior crest to a visiting diplomat in an office at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, with Nigerian and Canadian flags and official portraits behind them. — Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, David Sproule, at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja. [Nigeria Ministry of Interior]

Edited by:

African Pilot Newsdesk

Why this article matters
The expansion of the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement could create the regulatory framework needed for direct air services between the two countries, reducing reliance on connections through Europe or the United States.

For airlines and passengers, the significance will depend on whether carriers ultimately exercise those traffic rights. If direct services are launched, they could improve connectivity, shorten journey times and support stronger passenger and commercial links between Nigeria and Canada.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Canada on migration management, air transport and other areas of mutual interest.

The two countries discussed delays in the processing of Canadian visa applications by Nigerian citizens, as well as opportunities arising from the expanding Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement (ATA).

The discussions were held during a meeting at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja between Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalene Ajani, representing the Minister of Interior, and Canadian High Commission Chargé d’Affaires David Sproule and his delegation.

Ajani said prolonged visa processing times had affected Nigerian applicants, including students, some of whom had been unable to travel to Canada in time to begin their academic programmes because of delays in the issuance of study permits.

She said the issue should be addressed through continued dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting also considered the expansion of the Air Transport Agreement between Nigeria and Canada, which is expected to support the introduction of direct flights between the two countries and reduce the need for passengers to connect through Europe or the United States.

Both sides said the expanded agreement could support stronger commercial ties and improve travel between Nigeria and Canada.

The discussions also covered migration management, including the development of a Standard Operating Procedure between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency for the removal of persons without legal status in Canada.

Ajani said Nigeria would designate officials to work with their Canadian counterparts and establish a joint working group to advance the process.

Sproule acknowledged concerns regarding visa processing delays and said they would be referred to the relevant Canadian immigration authorities.

Both sides agreed to establish a technical working group to continue discussions and maintain engagement between the relevant Nigerian and Canadian agencies.

Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Canada on immigration, travel facilitation and border management.