In line with President Bola Tinubu's directive, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has undertaken a strategic working visit to Brazil to establish a direct air route between Nigeria and South America. The Minister arrived in Brazil on May 5th, accompanied by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, and representatives from local Nigerian airline operators, according to a press statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister.

The core of the visit involves high-level discussions with Embraer, a global aircraft manufacturer and lessor, at their headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo State. The collaboration seeks to enhance Nigeria's aviation sector by improving access to modern aircraft, offering favorable leasing options, and creating a network of reliable financiers. The Minister emphasized the importance of these discussions in empowering Nigerian operators with the necessary tools and partnerships for growth and expansion.

The working visit continues in Brasilia, where Minister Keyamo is scheduled to meet with his Brazilian counterpart, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Sílvio Costa Filho. A key objective is to review and adjust the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil. This adjustment aims to facilitate the immediate commencement of direct flight operations between the two nations, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen regional connectivity, expand international trade, and promote stronger diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and South America, according to Olusola Akintonde.