Nigeria and Brazil sign a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to restore direct flights and strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties

Nigeria and Brazil on Monday signed a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) aimed at restoring direct flights and deepening economic, trade, and cultural relations between the two countries.

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The agreement was formalised in Brasilia by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“Earlier today in Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil, I had the honour of signing a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement with my counterpart in Brazil,” Keyamo said in a statement after the signing ceremony.

The fresh BASA paves the way for the resumption of direct flights between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest economy, under more liberal aviation terms.

According to Keyamo, the deal is designed to promote trade, tourism, agriculture, education, and commerce, while creating opportunities for airlines in both countries.

Aviation experts believe the agreement will not only improve connectivity but also foster stronger bilateral economic ties and expand cultural and business exchanges between Nigeria and Brazil.

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The BASA comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to open Nigeria’s aviation market to new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and position the country as a regional hub for international travel.