Nigeria, Brazil sign deal on direct flights

Nigeria has signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, paving the way for direct flights between both countries.

The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, August 25, 2025.

The agreement was signed on Monday in Brazil by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho.

The event was witnessed by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil.

According to the statement, the BASA establishes a framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchange.

The agreement is also expected to promote stronger economic integration, enhance cultural relations, and deepen diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

“This agreement is a strategic milestone that underscores President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and creating an enabling environment for commerce and mobility,” Moshood stated.

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Tinubu began a two-day state visit to Brazil on Monday, during which the BASA was signed.

He was warmly received in Brasilia by President Lula da Silva, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the largest economies in Africa and South America.

In his remarks, President Lula lauded the agreement and expressed Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in aviation, agriculture, infrastructure development, and other key areas.

During the visit, President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The working visit will feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, highlighting both nations’ commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.

Tinubu was accompanied by senior cabinet members, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, among others.

The Star