The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has initiated discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil. This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to enhance air connectivity and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The discussions, building on a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focused on updating BASA arrangements to reflect the current realities in global aviation. This meeting follows mutual interests shared between President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a February 2024 meeting in Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Garcete highlighted the potential for immediate direct flights, suggesting that both countries could facilitate 4 to 5 flights per week. He emphasized the economic growth such flights would stimulate, while also noting the need to finalize the Open Skies Agreement for full implementation.
Keyamo expressed his optimism, pointing out the cultural and economic similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and underscoring the potential of these flights to enhance trade and cultural exchanges. Both countries agreed to form committees to finalize the BASA, with the Brazilian Ambassador inviting Keyamo to Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, marking a significant step in expanding Nigeria’s international aviation footprint. Keyamo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral agreements that promote economic development and connectivity.
