In line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has initiated high-level discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and establish direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
This strategic meeting follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between both nations in 2018, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and economic cooperation. During the discussions, both representatives emphasised the need to update BASA arrangements to reflect current realities in the aviation sector.
This dialogue is rooted in the mutual interests shared by President Tinubu and Brazilian president, Lula da Silva during their meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate BASA arrangements, acknowledging the cultural and economic ties between both countries.
Ambassador Garcete highlighted the potential for immediate flight services, noting that both nations could facilitate 4 to 5 flights per week. “The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated, while also emphasising the need to finalise the Open Skies Agreement (OSA) to fully enable the proposed flights.
Keyamo echoed this optimism, expressing appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and the potential economic impact of the BASA. “The activation of these flights will not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges,” he said.
To ensure the smooth finalisation of this initiative, both countries have agreed to form committees to draft and finalise new BASA arrangements. The ambassador extended an invitation to the minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, underscoring the strategic partnership between the nations. The operationalisation of this agreement is set to enhance growth and expand the international reach of the Nigerian aviation industry, furthering Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral aviation agreements that promote economic development and connectivity.
