The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for a direct flight between Nigeria and Canada in response to the increasing number of Nigerians residing in Canada.
Keyamo emphasized the current transit nature of most flights to Canada and stressed the need for logistical support to accommodate this growing demographic.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic geographical position, Keyamo proposed that Nigeria should serve as a major aviation hub in Africa.
He also underscored the importance of infrastructural development within Nigeria’s aviation sector to facilitate these objectives.
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Keyamo made these remarks during a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria on Monday, July 22, in Abuja.
The High Commissioner, Jamie Christoff, acknowledged Nigeria’s significant student and resident population in Canada across various sectors.
He expressed readiness to explore establishing a direct flight route between the two countries, citing Canada’s robust $20 billion aviation sector and his intention to facilitate private sector investments in Nigeria.
Plans are underway to appoint a focal person within the Ministry to finalize details such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering direct flights, cargo transportation, and potential business investments in Canada.