Nigeria, Brazil sign direct flight deal to enhance trade, cultural exchange

Nigeria and Brazil have formalised a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that will establish direct flights between the two countries, opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural cooperation.

The agreement was signed in Brasília during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day working visit to Brazil. Tinubu led a delegation that included senior cabinet members and was received by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the deal was concluded between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both heads of state.

The BASA sets out a framework for direct air connectivity, which officials say will not only improve mobility but also deepen economic integration, enhance diplomatic ties, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Moshood described the agreement as a strategic milestone for the Tinubu administration, noting that it underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding global partnerships and creating enabling environments for commerce and mobility.

President Lula welcomed the development and expressed Brazil’s readiness to broaden cooperation with Nigeria across multiple sectors, including aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

The Nigerian delegation to Brazil included Finance Minister Wale Edun, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, and Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari. Tinubu is also scheduled to meet leaders of Brazil’s National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court as part of the visit.

Discussions on establishing direct flights between the two nations first began in October 2024, paving the way for this agreement, which both governments have hailed as a turning point in Nigeria–Brazil relations.