'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Nigerian Government is set to launch direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has initiated high-level discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to operationalize the agreement and boost connectivity between the two nations.
The strategic discussions are in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Brazil in 2018, aimed at enhancing air transport services and deepening economic cooperation. The recent talks reflect the shared interests expressed by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reactivate BASA arrangements to reflect the evolving aviation landscape.
During the meeting, Ambassador Garcete stressed the importance of launching direct flight services, highlighting the potential for operating four to five weekly flights between the two countries. He noted that the introduction of these flights would provide a significant boost to economic relations, fostering trade, tourism, and other forms of collaboration. “The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” Garcete remarked, adding that the completion of the Open Skies Agreement is necessary to facilitate full-scale operations.
Minister Festus Keyamo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, recognizing the economic and social benefits that direct flights would bring to both nations. “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,” the Minister said. He further reiterated Nigeria's commitment to advancing bilateral agreements that promote economic development and connectivity in the aviation sector.
To ensure the smooth execution of the BASA initiative, both nations have agreed to establish joint committees tasked with drafting and finalizing the updated agreement. The Ambassador also extended a formal invitation to Minister Keyamo to visit Brazil for the official signing of the agreement, signaling a significant milestone in the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate the Nigeria-Brazil route. This move is expected to enhance Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding its international reach and driving sector growth. The operationalization of these direct flights is seen as a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as a key aviation hub in West Africa.
Minister Keyamo concluded by underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its aviation partnerships globally, ensuring that air services agreements like the one with Brazil play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic advancement.