Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has initiated discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the two countries, paving the way for direct flights. This development was announced in a statement released by Keyamo’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, on Monday.
The meeting aims to build on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018, which sought to enhance air connectivity and foster economic cooperation. During the discussions, both Keyamo and Ambassador Garcete emphasized the need for updated BASA arrangements to reflect the evolving dynamics of the aviation industry.
“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during their February 2024 meeting in Addis Ababa, where they agreed to reinvigorate BASA arrangements, recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Moshood stated.
Ambassador Garcete highlighted the immediate potential for the commencement of flight services, suggesting that both nations could facilitate four to five flights per week. He emphasized that the introduction of direct flights would lead to significant economic growth for both countries. Additionally, the ambassador pointed out the necessity of finalizing the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.
Minister Keyamo expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s visit and shared optimism about the economic impact of activating the BASA. He noted, “There are numerous similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges.”
To ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative, both countries have agreed to establish committees tasked with drafting and finalizing new BASA arrangements. The ambassador also invited Keyamo to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, which would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
As part of this strategic partnership, two Nigerian airlines—Air Peace and Caverton—have been designated to operate on the newly proposed route. This move is expected to enhance the Nigerian aviation industry’s growth and expand its international reach.
With the operationalization of this agreement, the prospects for enhanced air connectivity and increased economic cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil are set to take flight, fostering deeper ties between the two nations.
