A bilateral Air Service Agreement has been signed between President Bola Tinubu and Brazil, implying the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.
Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement that the signing was formalized on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, and also Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, signed for the host country.
The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations. The statement further noted that, “It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”
Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.
According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure. He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.
Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
