Nigeria and Brazil have formalized a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct air connectivity between the two nations. This significant accord was signed in Brasília by Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil's Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, marking a new era for bilateral relations.

The agreement is poised to unlock fresh opportunities across various sectors, including trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. It is expected to foster stronger economic integration, deepen cultural ties, and enhance diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media to the Nigerian Minister, emphasized that this strategic milestone underscores President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to expanding Nigeria's global partnerships and creating an enabling environment for commerce and mobility.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva lauded the partnership, expressing Brazil's readiness to further strengthen ties with Nigeria in multiple spheres beyond aviation, including agriculture and infrastructure development. The signing occurred during President Tinubu's visit to Brazil, where he led a high-level delegation including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, among others. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the BASA was a major highlight of this visit, signifying a crucial step in bolstering relations between the two largest economies on their respective continents.

Adding a practical dimension to this agreement, Air Peace, a Nigerian carrier, has secured approval to commence direct passenger flights between Lagos and São Paulo. The airline's Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, confirmed that this route, described as 'long overdue,' will significantly boost Nigeria's aviation sector. Air Peace plans to begin with three weekly flights, with intentions to increase frequency as demand and operational conditions permit.

These direct services are scheduled to commence by late November 2025, marking a historic first direct connection between Nigeria and Brazil by a Nigerian airline. The initiative is set to streamline travel, facilitate business, and bring the two nations closer, fulfilling the long-anticipated vision of enhanced connectivity and mutual growth.