Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Commander of the Order of the Niger; FCIArb(UK)

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

Public officers must always bear in mind the cliche that power is transient. They have limited time to make their modest contributions & bow out for others to continue. No one can annex public office as a personal chattel. That’s why I recoil from the razzmatazz of public office

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

https://t.co/Zsm4myPzgt

[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

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

Obi, Keyamo, Obasanjo, Atiku and the Month of July https://t.co/t2DJJWiIeY

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

Akume, Dangote, Kalu, Keyamo, Ahmadu, Emadeb Accept DTN@100 Awards https://t.co/zFiLBEbt9I

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

A video summary of our activities in the month of July by the Digital Media Team

[Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria @FAAN_Official]

Normal operations have resumed at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following the earlier incident. Passengers are being processed, and flight activities are continuing as scheduled.

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

There was no fire at Terminal 2 of the Lagos Airport

[Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria @FAAN_Official]

*UPDATE*

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

I will be there

[Channels Television @channelstv]

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, joins us on Politics Today.

Keyamo will speak about developments in the aviation sector and other matters of national importance.

Time: 7 pm (Nigeria time).

Watch live on DSTV: 420 | Sky UK: 515 | StarTimes: 111 | GOTV: 27

Live Stream: https://t.co/bfhEsyDUrJ

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

Yesterday, I played host to the Chargé d'Affaires of the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, His Excellency David Sproule who led a delegation comprising the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, and the Trade Commissioner, Ms. Funmike Sojinuga, on a working visit.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the modalities for the expansion of bilateral air services between both countries, with particular emphasis on creating a framework that would pave the way for the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Canada. A high-level meeting of the negotiating teams on both sides is due in about a week from now.

[Gbenga Saka @gbengasaka]

Canada's Chargé d'Affaires David Sproule, paid a visit to the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, @fkeyamo SAN, to advance talks on the proposed Air Services Agreement. @CanHCNigeria

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

Earlier today, I commissioned the newly upgraded Dankabo Domestic Terminal at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano. I was joined by the Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.

The upgraded facilities are designed to deliver a more seamless and world-class passenger experience.

At the commissioning, I also announced the Federal Government’s approval of ₦46 billion for the rehabilitation of MAKIA’s primary and secondary runways, further strengthening Kano’s position as the premier gateway to Northern Nigeria.

[Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria @FAAN_Official]

KANO’S AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE GETS A MAJOR BOOST The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commissioned the newly upgraded Dankabo Domestic Terminal at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) another significant milestone in Nigeria’s airport modernisation journey. The upgraded terminal features enhanced baggage handling, modern check-in facilities, improved passenger lounges, upgraded air-conditioning systems and other critical infrastructure, delivering a more seamless and world-class passenger experience.

Speaking at the commissioning, FAAN MD/CE, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transforming airport infrastructure and elevating passenger experience across Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,@fkeyamo, SAN, announced the Federal Government’s approval of ₦46 billion for the rehabilitation of MAKIA’s primary and secondary runways, further strengthening Kano’s position as a strategic aviation gateway to Northern Nigeria.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the FAAN Board of Directors, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended the Ministry and FAAN Management for delivering projects that strengthen aviation and support economic growth.

#FAAN #MAKIA #Kano

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

Yesterday , I attended a meeting of APC Delta Central Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders which held at the PTI conference centre, PTI, Effurun, Delta State.

It was an opportunity to congratulate all our candidates that emerged at all levels and to also appreciate the aspirants who lost at the Primaries and remained in the Party to campaign for our candidates.

I urged all party members to remain steadfast and work for the victory of our candidates at all levels, including that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

[NigerianFLIGHTDECK @AnthonyPatrickO]

Belgian Envoy Pushes Direct Flights as Nigeria-Belgium BASA Nears Completion

https://t.co/eD155K7W9c

[Presidency Nigeria @NGRPresident]

Nigeria-U.S. Mission Strengthen Aviation Cooperation. 🇳🇬🇺🇸

@fmaviationng | @fkeyamo

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

Earlier in the week, I played host to the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, Mr. Keith Heffern. He was accompanied by Ms Pamela Hack, the Country Consular Head for the United States Mission in Nigeria.

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 how the aviation industries in the US and Nigeria can cooperate in several ways that can be mutually beneficial to both countries. The US delegation commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for some of the positive strides in the aviation sector and pledged their continued cooperation with the Nigerian Government in advancing the sector.

[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.

[TheCable @thecableng]

Etihad Airways to resume flight operations to Lagos from March 2027

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has announced plans to resume flight operations to Nigeria, with services expected to commence in March 2027.

The plan was announced when the airline’s delegation visited Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, in Abuja, on Thursday.

https://t.co/UJrnEtXeDI

[Punch Newspapers @MobilePunch]

𝗘𝘁𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻���𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://t.co/bNa35GY28a

[NigerianFLIGHTDECK @AnthonyPatrickO]

Etihad Airways to Resume Flights as Keyamo Pushes Abuja Operations

https://t.co/KxuRXBXmdW