Nigeria and Brazil are on the verge of launching direct flights between the two nations, following the recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
This move is part of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), which was originally signed in 2018 to promote air connectivity and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Festus Keyamo SAN, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has initiated high-level talks with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to bring the agreement to life.
A press release issued by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, confirmed that the meeting was geared toward updating the BASA framework in line with current aviation standards.
The push to reinvigorate the air service agreement stems from discussions held between President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva earlier in February 2024, during a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Both leaders acknowledged the deep cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil and agreed that the time was right to enhance bilateral air connectivity.
During the recent meeting, Ambassador Garcete highlighted the potential for launching direct flights as soon as possible, proposing 4 to 5 weekly flights between the two countries. He noted that direct air links would significantly contribute to economic growth, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Garcete also pointed out the importance of finalizing the Open Skies Agreement, which is a prerequisite for the seamless operation of the proposed flights.
Minister Keyamo expressed gratitude for the Ambassador’s visit and the productive discussions, emphasizing that activating the BASA would not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges between Nigeria and Brazil. “There are many similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will further cement our partnership, opening new doors for economic and social development,” the Minister said.
To ensure the successful implementation of the updated BASA, both nations have agreed to establish joint committees tasked with drafting the necessary legal and operational frameworks. This collaborative effort is expected to result in the formal signing of the updated agreement in the near future. Ambassador Garcete extended an official invitation to Minister Keyamo to visit Brazil for the signing ceremony, which would mark a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate flights on the Nigeria-Brazil route. The introduction of these direct flights is expected to boost Nigeria’s aviation industry, expand its international reach, and stimulate economic growth through increased passenger and cargo traffic.
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral agreements that promote economic development, international cooperation, and enhanced connectivity. With the operationalization of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for significant growth, further positioning the country as a key player in global aviation.
This partnership between Nigeria and Brazil not only strengthens bilateral ties but also marks a new chapter in air travel, paving the way for increased collaboration, trade, and cultural exchange between the two largest economies in Africa and South America.
L-R. Alexandre Manhaes from Brazilian Embassy, Yisa Osagie, SA to the Minister, Amb. Carlos Garcete, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, Niyi Makanjuola, CSO, Caverton and Hassan Jibuno, Director, Aerodrome
