NIGERIA and Brazil have signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
According to a statement today by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the signing took place during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day state visit to Brazil.
Tinubu, accompanied by senior cabinet officials, was received in Brasília by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing direct flight operations between both countries.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both presidents.
Moshood explained that the BASA will provide a new framework for air connectivity, opening fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
He described the agreement as a strategic milestone that reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and creating an enabling environment for commerce and mobility.
President Lula welcomed the pact, noting that Brazil was eager to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across multiple sectors, including aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
During his stay, President Tinubu is also expected to meet with Brazil’s Senate President, the heads of the Chamber of Deputies, and the Supreme Federal Court.
The visit will feature a series of high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations, underscoring both nations’ commitment to strengthening ties for mutual growth and prosperity.
Negotiations on the direct flight agreement began on October 7, 2024, paving the way for this milestone partnership.