NIDEC 2026: Gbajabiamila to lead FG’s delegation

Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement to begin direct scheduled air services between both countries.

The agreement was signed by the Director of Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, on behalf of the Minister, Festus Keyamo, and the Canadian Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Ms Shendra Melia, at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja.

The signing followed an extensive Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Expansion Technical Review Work session, during which both delegations reviewed the existing Bilateral Air Services framework and reached a consensus that culminated in the signing of the Agreed Minutes.

Key highlights of the expanded Air Transport Agreement include: The right for Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled air services between the two countries; a capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for the designated airlines of each country.

Others are the granting of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for all-cargo operations, allowing cargo airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries, provided the service originates or terminates in the airline’s home country.
THIS is as the ‎Federal Government has engaged in strategic health cooperation with the Government of Canada in a bid to improve health workforce development, sustainable financing, digital innovation and resilient health systems.
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This was in a statement on X following a meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Chargé d’Affaires at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Mr David Sproule.
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Pate outlined the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms to build a more resilient and accountable health system, noting Nigeria’s commitment to increasing domestic health financing, strengthening national systems and reducing long-term dependence on external assistance.
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He also highlighted the deliberate expansion of medical, nursing and allied health training institutions to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals at home and abroad.

Both sides also explored opportunities for collaboration in pre-service education, simulation laboratories, digital health, professional certification and the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and biologicals as part of Nigeria’s drive towards greater health security and self-reliance.

‎MEANWHILE, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sending a high-powered delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to the first-ever Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NIDEC) holding in Canada.

The conference, with the theme, “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad”, will be held between August 12 and 15, 2026, in Toronto, Canada.

In a statement, the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, noted that the Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that the high-level delegations to the conference showcased the President’s commitment to promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.

Others in the delegation include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Trade & Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Governors of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, Plateau State, Caleb Mulfwang and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.