The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that Nigeria has begun discussions with Brazilian Ambassador Carlos Garcete to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and establish direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
In a statement on Monday, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, explained that the initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
The minister noted that these discussions build on a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and economic cooperation.
During the talks, both parties stressed the need for updated BASA arrangements that align with the current aviation landscape.
This meeting resulted from a shared interest between President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who agreed to revive the BASA during a February 2024 meeting in Addis Ababa, recognizing the strong cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil. Ambassador Garcete emphasized the possibility of starting direct flights immediately, suggesting the potential for 4 to 5 flights per week.
“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated.
He also highlighted the need to finalize the Open Skies Agreement to fully implement the proposed flights.
The aviation minister, while thanking the Ambassador for his visit, shared the optimism regarding the potential economic benefits 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 successful completion of this initiative, both countries have agreed to establish committees to draft and finalize the new BASA arrangements. The ambassador also invited Keyamo to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, which will mark a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate the route, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.
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