Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has initiated discussions with Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, between the two countries.
This follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to reignite the air connectivity deal, which stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018.
Both officials highlighted the need to modernize the BASA to align with current trends in the aviation sector. The meeting comes on the heels of a February 2024 discussion between President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, where both leaders recognized the importance of enhancing air connectivity for mutual growth.
Ambassador Garcete emphasized the potential for direct flights to commence quickly, with projections of 4 to 5 weekly flights. He expressed confidence that this will significantly boost economic activities between the two nations. The ambassador also highlighted the importance of finalizing an Open Skies Agreement to fully enable this initiative.
READ ALSO : Nigeria, Brazil seek ties on food security, direct flight
Minister Keyamo welcomed the ambassador’s optimism, noting that the introduction of direct flights would not only boost trade but also foster deeper cultural and social ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
To ensure the timely implementation of the new BASA, both nations have agreed to form committees tasked with finalizing the agreement. Ambassador Garcete also extended an invitation to Minister Keyamo to visit Brazil for the official signing of the agreement, which will be a major milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on the route, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Credible News.ng
