The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commenced discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, between both countries and initiate direct flights.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, on Monday.
According to the statement, this strategic meeting is part of efforts to revive the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and Brazil in 2018, aimed at boosting air connectivity and economic cooperation.
Both the minister and the ambassador stressed the need for new BASA arrangements that reflect current realities in the aviation industry.
“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Bola 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, recognising the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Moshood stated.
Ambassador Garcete highlighted the potential for immediate commencement of flight services, stating 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.
Keyamo expressed optimism about the economic impact, noting that “the activation of these flights will not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges.”
The statement further revealed that two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate the route.
Committees will be set up by both countries to finalise the new BASA arrangements.
The ambassador extended an invitation to Keyamo to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement.
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