Nigeria’s relationship with Brazil has reached a new milestone with the signing of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) aimed at deepening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed that the signing ceremony occurred during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day state visit to Brazil.
Moshood said in a statement on Monday, August 25, that Tinubu, who led a delegation comprising senior cabinet members, was received by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Among those on the presidential entourage are Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mrs. Bianca Onoh Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
According to Moshood, a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalising a direct flight agreement between Nigeria and Brazil.
The statement reads: “The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo(SAN), alongside Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both Heads of State.
“The BASA establishes a new framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, opening fresh avenues for trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
“It is expected to foster stronger economic integration, facilitate cultural ties, and enhance diplomatic cooperation between both nations.”
Moshood said the agreement is a strategic milestone that underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and creating enabling environments for commerce and mobility.
In his remarks, the Brazilian President praised the partnership and affirmed Brazil’s willingness to deepen its ties with Nigeria across various sectors, including aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Tinubu is expected to hold meetings with the President of the Brazilian senate at the national congress, as well as the Presidents of the chamber of deputies and the supreme federal court.
“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity,” Moshood said.
Persecondnews recalls that Nigeria had commenced discussions with Brazil to facilitate direct flights on October 7, 2024.
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