Nigeria, Brazil hold talks, initiate direct flight operations

  • FG designate, Air Peace, Caverton to Brazil, sets up draft committee

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has begun high-level discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

The discussion with the Brazilian Envoy resulted from the directive handed to the Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to open BASA talks with Brazil after the President urged theGarcete to prioritize establishing direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

Amb. Carlos Garcete and Keyamo

On August 29, 2024, the President expressed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Brazil to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared priorities.

This meeting stemmed 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.

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This strategic meeting follows the MoU signed between the two nations in 2018 to boost air connectivity and economic cooperation.

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

Speaking on the importance of direct flights, Ambassador Garcete highlighted the potential for immediate commencement of flight services, noting that both nations could facilitate 4 to 5 flights per week.

He said, “The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated. However, he also noted the need to finalize the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.”

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The Aviation Minister, while expressing appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit, echoed the optimism about the potential economic impact of the BASA.

He said, “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.

Spokesman for the Minister, Mr. Tunde Moshood explained that to ensure the smooth finalization of this initiative, both countries agreed to set up committees to draft and finalize new BASA arrangements.

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

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Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations.

With the operationalization of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for enhanced growth and expanded international reach.

The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing bilateral aviation agreements that promote economic development and connectivity.

Wole Shadare