Nigeria, Canada Meet Over Visa Delays, Direct Flights Plan

The Federal Government has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Canada on migration management, air transport and other areas of mutual interest, as both countries seek to address delays in Canadian visa processing for Nigerians.

This was the outcome of a meeting held on Monday, September 8, 2026, at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in Abuja between the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, David Sproule, and his delegation.

Dr. Ajani, who represented the Honourable Minister of Interior, said prolonged visa processing times have affected Nigerians, including students who were unable to travel to Canada to commence academic programmes despite having approved applications.

She stressed the need to address the concerns through sustained dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation.

The meeting also discussed the expansion of the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement, ATA, which both sides said would facilitate direct flights between both countries and eliminate connections through Europe or the United States. They expressed optimism that the agreement would boost commercial ties.

On migration, both sides addressed the development of a Standard Operating Procedure, SOP, between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency, CBSA, for the removal of persons without legal status in Canada.

Dr. Ajani assured that Nigeria would designate officials and establish a joint working group to advance the process. Sproule acknowledged the visa concerns and pledged to convey them to Canadian immigration authorities.

Both countries agreed to set up a small technical working group for regular engagement.