The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil are set to revise their existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to pave the way for immediate commencement of direct flight operations between both countries.
This was disclosed in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN Tunde Moshood.
According to Moshood, the BASA review is a key agenda in Minister Keyamo’s official visit to Brazil, where he is leading a Nigerian delegation to deepen aviation and economic ties with the South American giant.
A pivotal meeting is scheduled between Keyamo and his Brazilian counterpart, Minister of Ports and Airports, Sílvio Costa Filho, to finalize the revised terms of the agreement. The initiative, described as “historic,” is expected to unlock immediate direct flight operations between Nigeria and Brazil.
“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by enhancing regional and transcontinental connectivity,” Moshood said. “It will also strengthen international trade and reinforce diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and South America.”
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation also held extensive talks with top executives of Embraer, one of the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturers, at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo State.
The discussions focused on strategic collaboration to support Nigeria’s aviation sector through Embraer’s global network of aircraft lessors and financial institutions. The goal, according to Moshood, is to empower Nigerian airlines with access to modern aircraft, competitive leasing options, and credible financing channels.
“This engagement is part of a broader vision to rejuvenate Nigeria’s aviation industry by facilitating growth, enabling fleet expansion, and building long-term partnerships,” he added.
With Brazil’s growing role in global aviation and Nigeria’s expanding demand for air connectivity, this renewed partnership could mark a transformative chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries.
