Nigeria and Brazil have officially signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), establishing a new framework for direct air connectivity between the two nations. The agreement was concluded in Brasília and signed 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 in a separate account), Silvio Costa Filho. This landmark accord is expected to unlock fresh avenues for trade, tourism, investment, and extensive people-to-people exchanges, fostering stronger economic integration, facilitating cultural ties, and enhancing diplomatic cooperation.

This strategic milestone underscores President Bola Tinubu's administration's dedication to expanding Nigeria's global partnerships and creating enabling environments for commerce and mobility. The Special Adviser, Media to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, highlighted this commitment in a statement. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also lauded the partnership, expressing Brazil's readiness to deepen ties with Nigeria across various spheres, including aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The agreement was a significant highlight during President Tinubu's visit to Brazil, which included a delegation of senior cabinet members.

Following the agreement, Air Peace, a Nigerian carrier, has secured approval to commence direct passenger flights between Lagos, Nigeria, and São Paulo, Brazil. Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, confirmed this development, describing the Lagos-São Paulo route as "long overdue" and a significant boost for Nigeria's aviation sector. Air Peace plans to begin with three weekly flights, with intentions to increase frequency based on demand and operational conditions. The service is scheduled to commence by late November 2025, marking the first direct connection between Nigeria and Brazil by a Nigerian airline. This Bilateral Air Service Agreement is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the bilateral ties between these two largest economies on their respective continents.