Nigeria and Brazil have signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to facilitate direct flights between the two countries.
The agreement aimed to deepen economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
The signing ceremony took place during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day visit to Brazil, where he was received by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho in the presence of both heads of state.
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
He said the signing ceremony took place during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day visit to Brazil, adding that Tinubu, who led a delegation comprising senior cabinet members, was received by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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 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,” it added.
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.
The statement also disclosed that during the state visit, 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.
Nigeria commenced discussions with Brazil to facilitate direct flights on October 7, 2024.
