Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has begun discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and establish direct flights connecting Nigeria and Brazil.
In a statement released on Monday by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Keyamo, it was disclosed that the meeting was a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in 2018 to enhance air connectivity and economic cooperation. Both officials stressed the importance of updating BASA arrangements to align with current trends in the aviation industry.
This meeting arose from the shared interests of President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024. They agreed to reactivate the BASA arrangements, acknowledging the cultural and economic bonds between Nigeria and Brazil.
Ambassador Garcete highlighted the significance of direct flights, suggesting that both countries could support 4 to 5 flights per week. He also stressed the necessity of finalising the Open Skies Agreement to facilitate the proposed flights fully.
While expressing gratitude for the Ambassador’s visit, the aviation minister echoed the optimistic outlook regarding the potential economic impact of the BASA.
“There are many similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the introduction of these flights will not only promote trade but also enhance cultural and social exchanges,” the Minister remarked.
To ensure the smooth implementation of this initiative, both nations have agreed to establish committees to draft and finalise new BASA arrangements.
The ambassador also invited Keyamo to visit Brazil to formally sign the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been chosen to operate on this route.