The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has advocated for a direct flight from Nigeria to Canada, following the increasing number of Nigerians who reside in Canada.
This was disclosed in a press release signed by the head of press, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Odutayo Oluseyi.
Keyamo noted that most flights to Canada involved transit stops, emphasising the need to establish direct routes to better support the Nigerian population there.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position, being equidistant from many countries worldwide, which positioned it to become a major hub in Africa.
The minister emphasised the need for infrastructural development in the Nigerian aviation sector and mentioned that the country’s long-standing relationship with Canada could pave the way for cargo development, given the rise of Nigerian eateries in Canada.
“In terms of infrastructural development in the Nigerian aviation sector, Keyamo said that Nigeria has a long-standing relationship with Canada and may be looking at areas of cargo development since lots of Nigerian eateries are springing up in Canada,” the statement partly read.
Oluseyi stated that a focal person from the ministry would be appointed to firm up arrangements in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Nigeria regarding the direct route, repository, cargo flight and the proposed side meeting in Canada for business investments.
The Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, noted that around 18,000 Nigerian students were in Canada, with the Nigerian population expanding across various sectors.
He mentioned that steps would be taken to explore the possibility of establishing a direct flight route to Canada.
Christoff also highlighted Canada’s robust aviation sector, valued at approximately $20bn and expressed his willingness to connect private sector investors with opportunities in Nigeria.
