Nigeria and Brazil have signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct flights between the two countries. The deal, sealed yesterday in Brasília, is expected to expand trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchanges between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest nation.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho. It was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to a statement by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the BASA represents a “strategic milestone” that highlights President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships and creating an enabling environment for commerce and mobility.
Airlines to Commence Operations
Under the deal, Brazilian national carrier Varig Air will operate flights from Brazil, while Nigerian carriers Air Peace and Caverton Airlines will handle flights from Nigeria. Aviation experts say the move will significantly reduce travel costs and time for passengers, while also boosting cargo trade between the two nations.
President Tinubu led a high-powered Nigerian delegation that included Finance Minister Wale Edun, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari.
The Brazilian President, while welcoming Tinubu, hailed the agreement as a symbol of stronger cooperation between the two countries. He reaffirmed Brazil’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in areas such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Tinubu’s visit also includes meetings with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court. High-level sessions between Nigerian and Brazilian officials across various sectors are expected to further cement bilateral relations.
This development marks another step in Nigeria’s foreign policy drive under the Tinubu administration, aimed at positioning the country as a key player in global economic and diplomatic partnerships.
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