Nigeria, Brazil in talks to commence direct flights

Nigeria has commenced discussions with Brazil to facilitate direct flights between both countries.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, began negotiations with Carlos Garcete, Brazilian ambassador to Nigeria, to activate the bilateral air service agreement (BASA) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

In a statement on October 7, Tunde Moshood, special adviser, media and communications to the minister, said the move is in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

On August 29, Tinubu urged the Brazilian ambassador to Nigeria, to prioritise the establishment of direct flights between both countries.

“During the discussions, both envoys emphasized the need for new BASA arrangements to reflect current realities in the aviation world,” the ministry said..

“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the BASA arrangements, recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.”

To ensure the successful finalisation of the initiative, both countries agreed to set up committees to draft and finalise new BASA arrangements.

The ministry said two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on the route, further highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.

According to the ministry, the Nigerian aviation industry is expected to see increased expansion and global reach upon the operationalisation of the agreement.

Speaking on the importance of the direct flights, Garcete highlighted the potential for immediate commencement of flight services, noting that both nations could facilitate four to five flights per week.

“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he said.

However, he said the open skies agreement needs to be finalised to fully enable the proposed flights.

The ambassador also extended an invitation to the minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.

On his part, Keyamo, while expressing appreciation for the ambassador’s visit, noted the optimism about the potential economic impact of the BASA.

“There are numerous similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges,” the minister said.

Keyamo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral aviation agreements that foster economic development and connectivity.