Ahmed Tijjani

A Political scientist with a keen interest in political economy, foreign policy and developmental issues. #Logistics #Climatechange #Aviation #MANUTD #NBA

[Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) @fkeyamo]

Thursday, 6th August, 2026

Canadian, Embassy, Abuja

PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA, CANADA SIGN EXPANDED AIR TRANSPORT AGREEMENT FOR DIRECT FLIGHTS, TRADES AND CONNECTIVITY

In a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral aviation relations and expanding economic cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled air services between both countries.

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), was represented at the signing ceremony by the Director of Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, who joined the Canadian Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Ms. Shendra Melia, at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja to formalize 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 Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director, Air Transport Management; Mrs. Jummai Yahaya, Esq., Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), 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. It introduces several important enhancements designed to improve connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for airlines and businesses in both countries.

Key highlights of the expanded Air Transport Agreement include:

- The right for Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries.
- A capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country.
- The granting of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline's home country.

The agreement is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity between Nigeria and Canada by paving the way for the commencement of direct flights, thereby reducing travel time, improving passenger convenience, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening commercial and cultural ties between both nations.

The development is particularly significant given the growing people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and Canada. As of 31 March 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians hold valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada's major international student source countries. The enhanced aviation framework is expected to further support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment, and family reunification.

The Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was originally negotiated in 2014 as a code-share-only arrangement and formally signed in March 2025. The current agreement represents the first major expansion of the bilateral air services framework since its negotiation over a decade ago.

Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications
to the Honourable Minister

[Manchester United @ManUtd]

Best wishes to @Persie_Official on his birthday! 🥳🎈

[Victoria Enebeli 🙂‍↔️ @iamveektoria_]

I found a site teaching MS excel from start to finish for free

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UWC

[Gymvibe_ @Gymvibe_]

2 Minutes Flat Stomach in 14 days Beginner Friendly. Do 5 rounds every Morning.

[Ahmed Tijjani @AhmedTza]

@Eljaph See how happy everyone in the video are...you shouldn't be like this. You are spoiling the joy of the whole scene.

[Soar Africa! @SSE_NGA]

All my girls are ballers 😎

#WAFCON2026

[ESPN Africa @ESPNAfrica]

THE SUPER FALCONS MAKE IT TO THE QUARTER-FINALS! WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER OF A GAME! 🇳🇬

[Ahmed Tijjani @AhmedTza]

Kai! No more runs for awon boys for in Kano passport office. They should should at least closed Birnin Kudu and left Farm Center nau...

[loriman @Ahmadlori]

This is a call to action.

There is no justifiable reason for the Nigeria Immigration Service to stop passport printing in Kano by shutting down two passport production centres. Kano is a major commercial hub and the centre of business in Northern Nigeria, with thousands of people travelling across the country and around the world for business, education, healthcare, and other legitimate purposes.

This decision will only create unnecessary hardship for the people and businesses that depend on efficient passport services. It risks undermining Kano’s role as a key economic centre.

We therefore call on our Senators and Members of the House of Representatives from Kano State to urgently intervene and ensure that these passport printing centres are restored without delay. The people of Kano deserve accessible and efficient government services. @barauijibrin @KawuSumaila2019 @SenHanga @nigimmigration @BashirAhmaad @dawisu @KanoChronicle @kabirusaje @AlikoDangote @AbbaM_Abiyos @Minikothe3rd @Waspapping_ @KawuGarba @SamboMaiHula @Tkr__khalifa @Abbale5 @Safreenarrhh

[Presidency Nigeria @NGRPresident]

President Tinubu Approves Salary Increases For Armed Forces Personnel.

[SuperSport 🏆 @SuperSportTV]

Nigeria end the 2026 #CommonwealthGames as Africa's best performer 🇳🇬🔝

#SSCommonwealthGames | #Glasgow2026

[ESPN Africa @ESPNAfrica]

Temitope Adeshina makes history for Nigeria 🇳🇬🥉

The 19-year-old becomes the first Nigerian woman ever to win a Commonwealth high jump medal, ending a 72-year wait ✨

[P.haraoh 👑 @Ugochukwu96_]

I've heard of work under pressure, but I've never heard of fun under pressure 😂😂

[Lateef Aremu @AlfaYalayala]

Queen Tobi does it again!

Amusan storms into the 100m hurdles final with an outstanding heat performance.

#CommonwealthGames2026 #AllTheAction #TeamNigeria

[Kano Chronicle @KanoChronicle]

Ahead of the groundbreaking of the ₦1.05 trillion Kano Light Rail Project, a delegation from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and Mota-Engil Nigeria visits the Kano State Government

The light rail is expected to modernize urban transportation, improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and boost economic growth, further strengthening Kano’s position as Northern Nigeria’s commercial hub.

[Celestial being @ayrastarr]

my first movie!!

Children of Blood and Bone, only in theatres January 15, 2027

[Almajiri🥀 @tudunwada__mi]

Ganduje’s speech immediately after the launch of Dan-Kabo Domestic Terminal at Malam Aminu Kano Intact Airport, Kano.

[Osas @osazenoo]

Kano Train Station
Woooooooooooooooooow 🤯

[Kano Chronicle @KanoChronicle]

The new Kano station as never seen before.

Whose name you think this train station deserves?

It I’ll connect Kano to Abuja-Kano and Lagos-train, ultimately connecting Kano to Maradi in Niger republic.

Projected regional volume estimates anticipated up to roughly 1 million combined weekly passengers across connected trunk lines during peak planning phases

[Ahmed Tijjani @AhmedTza]

"Aeropilitical"...that's a new one. Vocabulary updated.

[Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) @fkeyamo]

Last Thursday, I received in audience a delegation from Etihad Airways in the UAE led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali – Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International & Government Affairs. He was accompanied by Asma Khalifa Al Mheiri, Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs and Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi – Diplomatic Affairs Manager.

I was joined by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the DG of the NCAA, the MD of FAAN, the MD of NAMA and other senior Directors of the Ministry.

We discussed in details the resumption of flights by Etihad Airways from Nigeria to Abu Dhabi, most likely by the first quarter of 2027. I also acknowledged the code-share agreement it has signed with AIRPEACE, describing it as a positive development for our biggest local operator and flag carrier.

[Imran Muhammad @Imranmuhdz]

Someone among my prospective opponents privatized government investment in public entities but forgot to pay the pension. I’m clearing the pensioners now, so clearing the mess they created.

- President Tinubu today criticized Atiku again on privatization as he received a 'thank you' visit from the Northeast stakeholders for renominating Vice President Kashim Shettima.