Nigeria has started talks with Brazil to promote direct flights between the two countries.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has initiated negotiations with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and begin direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil. .
In a statement on October 7, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said the move was in line with the directives of President Bola Tinubu.
On August 29, Tinubu asked the Brazilian ambassador to Nigeria to prioritize opening direct flights between the two countries.
“During the consultations, both envoys emphasized the need for a new BASA agreement that reflects the current situation in aviation,” the ministry said.
“This meeting stems from the common interests shared by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where both parties agreed to Recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Japan and Brazil, the two countries agreed to restart the BASA Agreement.
To ensure the successful completion of this initiative, both countries agreed to establish a committee to draft and finalize a new BASA agreement.
The ministry said two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caberton, have been designated to operate this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to the ministry, once the agreement becomes operational, Nigeria’s aviation industry is expected to expand and expand globally.
Garcete spoke about the importance of direct flights, noting that the two countries could facilitate four to five flights per week, and stressing the possibility of immediate service.
“The introduction of direct flights will trigger significant economic growth between the two countries,” he said.
But he said the open skies agreement needed to be finalized to fully enable the proposed flights.
The Ambassador also invited the Minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, which marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Keyamo expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s visit, but noted that he was optimistic about BASA’s potential economic impact.
“There are many similarities between Nigeria and Brazil and the activation of these flights will not only facilitate trade but also enhance cultural and social exchanges,” the minister said.
Mr. Keyamo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting bilateral aviation agreements that foster economic development and connectivity.
