Nigeria, Brazil Seal Direct Flight Agreement (BASA):
Byline: Economy & Diplomacy Desk, IDNN
Nigeria Brazil Direct Flights Deal Signed
Nigeria and Brazil have finalised a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct air connections between Lagos and São Paulo. The agreement was signed in Brasília during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day state visit, where he met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The pact was endorsed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Transport Minister Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both heads of state.
“This agreement is a strategic milestone for Nigeria. It expands our global partnerships and enhances mobility for commerce and cultural exchange,” Tinubu said.
Economic and Diplomatic Impact
The Nigeria Brazil direct flights arrangement is expected to stimulate trade, tourism, and investment across both continents. By reducing travel time and costs, officials believe it will foster business opportunities and strengthen cultural ties between West Africa and South America.
President Lula welcomed the pact, emphasising Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation in aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.
A Long-Awaited Milestone
The idea of direct Nigeria Brazil flights has been discussed since early 2024, when both leaders met at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. By mid-2024, Tinubu had renewed the call, describing it as key to unlocking bilateral relations.
Industry analysts say the BASA could be transformative for Nigeria’s aviation sector, opening a South American route long dominated by European and Middle Eastern carriers.
A Step Towards Closer Ties
The agreement is also seen as a diplomatic boost. Nigeria and Brazil, as the largest economies in their respective regions, are positioning themselves for greater influence in global trade and politics.
Officials confirmed that discussions are ongoing with airlines to commence flights within the framework of the BASA, potentially by 2026.
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