Nigeria and Brazil are on track to initiate direct flights as part of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018 aimed at enhancing air connectivity and economic cooperation between the two nations.

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has begun discussions with Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, to activate the BASA and establish direct flight services.

A statement issued on Monday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Keyamo, indicated that the meeting was a follow-up to the 2018 agreement, which aimed to strengthen aviation ties and economic collaboration.

During their discussions, both officials underscored the importance of updating the BASA to reflect the current dynamics in the aviation sector.

This meeting was inspired by shared interests expressed by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during their discussions in Addis Ababa in February 2024. They agreed to reinvigorate the BASA arrangements, acknowledging the rich cultural and economic connections between Nigeria and Brazil.

Ambassador Garcete emphasized the significance of direct flights, noting that both countries could potentially facilitate 4 to 5 flights per week. “The introduction of direct flights will lead to substantial economic growth between our nations,” he stated.