Direct Flights Could Unlock Billions in Nigeria-Canada Trade — Stakeholders

Direct Flights Could Unlock Billions in Nigeria-Canada Trade — Stakeholders

Reported By Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi

ABUJA —Trade and investment stakeholders from Nigeria and Canada have renewed calls for the establishment of direct air connectivity between the two nations, stressing that such a move could unlock billions of dollars in economic potential, streamline business travel, and enhance cargo movement.

Why It Matters –

At a recent Canada-Nigeria Trade Mission and Business Forum held in Abuja, business leaders emphasized that direct flights would reduce travel time, cut costs, and facilitate stronger bilateral partnerships in sectors like mining, energy, ICT, agribusiness, and education. – The current absence of a direct air route — requiring stopovers in Europe or the Middle East — is seen as a major bottleneck to efficient trade flows and people-to-people exchange. – Stakeholders argue that a direct route between Lagos or Abuja and Toronto or Montreal could boost two-way cargo services and help balance trade volumes.

Trade Potential

According to Canadian High Commissioner Jamie Christoff, Nigeria remains Canada’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with over CAD $2.7 billion in trade volume recorded in recent years. However, that figure could grow significantly if logistics and travel bottlenecks are resolved. Olufemi Boyede, President of Koinonia Ventures Ltd., also noted that direct flights would attract more Canadian investors to Nigeria’s untapped sectors, especially as Canada seeks to expand global trade partnerships beyond its traditional markets.

What’s Being Done –

Discussions are reportedly ongoing between Nigerian aviation authorities, private carriers, and Canadian aviation stakeholders to explore the feasibility of initiating the route. – The Nigeria-Canada Trade Mission also highlighted the potential role of Air Peace and other Nigerian airlines in executing the service, provided bilateral aviation agreements are revised.

Outlook

With increasing business, student, and diaspora traffic between both countries, direct flights are seen not just as a convenience, but a strategic economic enabler. Stakeholders hope that with government support, the route could become operational within the next 12–18 months.

Citations:

1. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/aviation/article/nigeria-canada-in-talks-over-direct-flight-aviation-collaboration/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria-canada-sign-agreement-for-direct-flight-operations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/nigeria-canada-strengthen-aviation-ties-with-code-sharing-agreement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

4. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/21/lagos-toronto-emerges-nigerias-busiest-aviation-long-haul-routes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

5. Nairametrics: nairametrics.com/2025/03/21/nigeria-canada-seal-code-sharing-deal-under-new-bilateral-air-service-agreement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace

author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace is a journalist with Sele Media Africa, committed to telling authentic African stories with depth and creativity. A Christian and a student of English and Literary Studies, she blends her love for writing with the art of spoken word to inspire and inform. Her voice adds a thoughtful and artistic dimension to Sele Media’s mission of amplifying unheard voices across the continent.

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