Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, the 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) and establish direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
A statement released on Monday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Keyamo, indicated that the meeting was a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in 2018, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and economic cooperation.
During their discussions, both representatives stressed the need for new BASA arrangements that reflect the current realities of the aviation industry.
This meeting was inspired by the mutual interests expressed by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during their encounter in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to revive the BASA arrangements in light of the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
Ambassador Garcete underscored the significance of direct flights, emphasizing the immediate potential to launch flight services, with both nations capable of supporting 4 to 5 flights per week.
“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated.
However, he also noted the need to finalise the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.
The aviation minister while expressing appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit, echoed the optimism about the potential economic impact of the BASA.
“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,” the Minister said.
To facilitate the smooth finalization of this initiative, both countries have agreed to establish committees to draft and finalize the new BASA arrangements.
The ambassador also extended an invitation to Keyamo to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, which would represent a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, further emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations.