Nigeria and Brazil are poised to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that will open the way for direct flights between both countries.
The Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investments to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Obafemi Bajomo, disclosed this in Abuja, explaining that the agreement will be finalized during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Brazil.
According to him, the deal will allow for four to five weekly direct flights, likely operated by Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Caverton. He described the BASA as a major breakthrough that will boost connectivity, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Africa’s and South America’s largest economies.
The journey towards the agreement began in May 2025, when Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, led a delegation to Brasília to open talks with Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho. The discussions birthed a technical working group which has since harmonised the agreement for signing.
“All statutory processes, including ministerial vetting, clearance by the Federal Ministry of Justice, and approval by the Federal Executive Council, have been completed,” Bajomo said.
He noted that the direct flights would cut travel time, lower logistics costs, and open new trade corridors for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services. For Nigerian exporters, the Brazilian market will become more accessible, while cultural ties—particularly the Yoruba heritage in Brazil—will be strengthened through tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Beyond air routes, both countries are also exploring cooperation in aviation training and airport infrastructure development, positioning Nigeria as a stronger player in global aviation.
Bajomo quoted Minister Keyamo as describing Nigeria and Brazil as “twins separated at birth,” now reunited through a partnership that promises long-term economic and cultural impact.
