The need for direct flights from Nigeria to Canada has been highlighted in the face of the growing numbers of Nigerians living there.
The concern was raised by Nigeria’s minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo through a statement when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Keyamo said Nigeria is equidistant to most countries in the world and ought to be a major aviation hub in Africa.
He said a lot needs to be put in place in terms of aviation infrastructure in Nigeria.
The aviation minister said there is also the possibility of exploring cargo business relationships as a number of Nigerian eateries are springing up in Canada.
He said a focal person from the ministry will be appointed to firm up terms ahead of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Nigeria as regards direct routes, repository and cargo flights and the proposed business development meeting.
In his earlier statement, the Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, explained that Nigeria has a student population of about 18,000 in Canada with a growing population in various other sectors
He said modalities will be discussed ahead of the possibility of a direct route to Canada.
Christoff further noted that Canada has a $20 billion aviation sector and expressed his willingness to introduce private sector investors to Nigeria.
Editor: Oloyede Oworu
