Nigeria and Brazil are moving closer to sealing a long-anticipated Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) aimed at launching direct Nigeria Brazil flights.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, held bilateral talks with Minister of Ports and Airports of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Silvio Costa Filho. The meeting took place at the Brazilian Ministry’s headquarters in Brasília and was marked by a shared commitment to finalize the stalled BASA process.
Both Ministers jointly announced the immediate formation of a technical working group. This team will work to draft and harmonize the bilateral agreement in preparation for its official signing in the coming weeks.
According to Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, this initiative marks a strong effort to boost diplomatic relations and enhance connectivity between Africa and South America.
During their engagement, the Ministers emphasized the cultural and historical links shared between Nigeria and Brazil. They also agreed on the need to establish a direct air corridor between the two regions to unlock untapped opportunities.
This development is viewed as a significant milestone. It is expected to pave the way for direct Nigeria Brazil flights, which will facilitate tourism, boost trade, and promote people-to-people exchanges.
Addressing his counterpart via an interpreter, the Nigerian Minister described the proposal as mutually beneficial. “This is going to be a symbiotic relationship — beneficial to you and beneficial to us,” Keyamo stated. “Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, and Brazil is one of the biggest in South America. No matter how we want to look at it, this air-link must commence without delay.”
Keyamo also highlighted shared heritage as a binding factor. “Nigeria and Brazil share a common history. There is a particular tribe in Nigeria — the Yoruba — who live here in Brazil and still speak the same language,” he said. “We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited.”
The sentiment was warmly received, culminating in a symbolic knuckle exchange between both Ministers — a spontaneous gesture interpreted as an informal confirmation of intent.
In addition to the air link, the Ministers expressed interest in broader aviation sector collaboration. Their discussion covered technical training, airport infrastructure, aerospace development, and strategic investments.
The forthcoming agreement promises to transform connectivity across the Atlantic, setting a new benchmark for intercontinental cooperation. While timelines were not disclosed, officials on both sides remain optimistic that the pact will be finalized promptly.
