Nigeria and Brazil have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations with the signing of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct flights between the two nations. This historic agreement was formally concluded in Brasília by Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil's Minister of Transport (also referred to as Minister of Ports and Airports), Silvio Costa Filho (or Filhos).

The newly established framework is poised to unlock fresh opportunities across various sectors, including trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. It is anticipated to foster stronger economic integration, facilitate deeper cultural ties, and enhance diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil. According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media to the Nigerian Minister, this agreement represents a strategic achievement that underscores President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to expanding Nigeria's global partnerships and cultivating environments conducive to commerce and mobility.

The signing ceremony was a key highlight during President Bola Tinubu's visit to Brazil, where he led a delegation that included senior cabinet members such as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Onoh Ojukwu; Olorogun Keyamo; and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari. During the visit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his country's readiness to deepen ties with Nigeria in multiple spheres, encompassing aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development, further solidifying the importance of this partnership between the two largest economies on their respective continents.

Following the agreement, Nigerian carrier Air Peace has secured approval to commence direct passenger flights between Lagos, Nigeria, and São Paulo, Brazil. Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace, confirmed the development to journalists, describing the Lagos-São Paulo route as "long overdue" and a substantial boost for Nigeria's aviation sector. The airline plans to initiate the service with three weekly flights, with intentions to increase frequency based on demand and operational conditions.

These inaugural direct flights are scheduled to begin by late November 2025, marking the first direct air connection between Nigeria and Brazil by a Nigerian airline. This development is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity, thereby strengthening the bonds of cooperation and exchange facilitated by the Bilateral Air Service Agreement.