Nigeria and Brazil have sealed a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that establishes direct air connectivity between the two nations.
The move is expected to drive economic growth, expand trade, and strengthen global partnerships.
The agreement was announced in a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was at the signing led a high-powered delegation that included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,
Others are Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Abubakar Kyari.
The Nigerian leader was warmly received in Brasília by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marking a new chapter in the deepening of bilateral ties between the two largest economies on their respective continents.
The Air Service Agreement
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the BASA between Nigeria and Brazil.
The agreement was signed by Mr Festus Keyamo on behalf of Nigeria and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Mr Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both Heads of State.
The BASA sets out a framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, creating new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
Benefit of the Air Service Agreement
According to the statement, the agreement is expected to accelerate economic integration while strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
This milestone reflects President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships.
It will also create an enabling environment for commerce, mobility, and cross-border collaboration.
The Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, praised the agreement and reaffirmed Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria
He said the cooperation would not only be in aviation but also in agriculture, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors.
Also, President Da Silva described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.
As part of the state visit, President Tinubu will also meet the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
The visit will further feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across multiple sectors, underscoring the commitment of both nations to build a future of shared prosperity and global relevance.
