Nigeria and Brazil have begun plans to initiate direct flight services between the two countries. To this effect, the Nigerian Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace you are ace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, held “high-level discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil”, when the Brazilian envoy visited the Minister.
This strategic meeting follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and fostering economic cooperation between the two nations. According to a statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, “both envoys emphasized the need for new BASA arrangements to reflect current realities in the aviation world.”
This meeting stems from “the mutual interests shared by President (Bola) Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the BASA arrangements, recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.”
Ambassador Garcete highlighted the immediate potential for launching flight services, suggesting the facilitation of 4 to 5 flights per week between the two nations. He stated that, “The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries.” However, he emphasized the need to finalize the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.
Minister Keyamo expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and shared optimism regarding the economic impact of activating the BASA. He said: “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 finalization of this initiative, “both countries have agreed to set up committees to draft and finalize a new BASA arrangements.”
Mr. Moshood confirmed that two Nigerian airlines, “Air Peace and Caverton have been designated to operate on this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. With the operationalization of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for enhanced growth and expanded international reach.”
The Honourable Minister reiterated “Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral aviation agreements that promote economic development and connectivity.”