President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, opening the way for direct flights between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.
The agreement was concluded on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.
According to a statement by media aide to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, represented his country.
“The BASA provides a framework for direct air links between both nations, expected to enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations,” the statement noted.
The statement noted that the deal also advances Nigeria’s broader strategy of strengthening global partnerships and expanding international connectivity.
Tinubu’s delegation to Brazil included the 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 officials.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the pact, pledging closer cooperation with Nigeria in aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.
He described the agreement as a reflection of the enduring ties between both nations and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural exchange.
During the visit, President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with key Brazilian leaders, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
The statement added that the ongoing state visit will feature high-level engagements across multiple sectors, underscoring Nigeria and Brazil’s shared commitment to fostering mutual growth and prosperity
