The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has initiated high-level talks with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to operationalize the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and launch direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the discussions align with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement highlighted that this strategic engagement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in 2018, which aims to enhance air connectivity and foster economic cooperation.
During the discussions, both representatives stressed the importance of updating the BASA to align with evolving global aviation trends and current realities.
“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the BASA arrangements, recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil”, the statement added.
The statement added that Ambassador Garcete emphasized the strong potential for the immediate launch of flight services, suggesting that both nations could accommodate between four to five flights per week.
“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries”, he stated.
The statement highlighted his emphasis on the need to finalize the Open Skies Agreement to fully unlock the potential of the proposed flights.
Furthermore, it noted that the Aviation Minister expressed optimism about the significant economic impact the BASA could bring.
“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.”
Additionally, the statement stated that to ensure the smooth finalization of this initiative, both countries have agreed to establish committees tasked with drafting and finalizing a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Additionally, the statement highlighted that the Ambassador extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, a significant milestone in the strengthening of Nigeria-Brazil relations.
“Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. With the operationalization of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for enhanced growth and expanded international reach.
“The Honourable Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral aviation agreements that promote economic development and connectivity.”
