The Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has started h igh-level talks with Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s directive to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and start direct flights between Brazil and Nigeria. This strategic meeting comes after the two countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018 with the goal of enhancing air connectivity and economic cooperation.

Both envoys stressed the need for new BASA arrangements to reflect the realities of the aviation industry today during the discussions. President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met in Addis Ababa in February 2024 and decided to revive the BASA arrangements, acknowledging the strong cultural and economic links between Brazil and Nigeria. This meeting is a result of their shared interests.

In his remarks regarding the significance of the direct flights, Ambassador Garcete emphasized the possibility of an instant start to flight operations, pointing out that both countries could support four to five flights every week. “We will see tremendous economic growth between our countries when direct flights are introduced,” he said. But he also pointed out that in order to fully permit the planned flights, the Open Skies Agreement must be finalized.

The aviation minister echoed the optimism regarding the potential economic impact of the BASA, even as she expressed gratitude for the Ambassador’s visit. The Minister stated, “There are many similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will enhance trade as well as strengthen social and cultural exchanges.”

In order to facilitate the successful completion of this initiative, committees have been established by both nations to draft and finalize new BASA arrangements. A major turning point in the history of relations between Brazil and Nigeria will be reached when the agreement is formally signed, and the Ambassador has invited the Honorable Minister to Brazil for this occasion.

The designation of two Nigerian airlines, Caverton and Air Peace, to fly on this route highlights the two countries’ strategic alliance. The Nigerian aviation industry is expected to experience increased growth and global reach upon the operationalization of this agreement.

The Minister of State reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to pursuing bilateral aviation accords that foster economic growth and interconnectivity.