Nigeria is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil on a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), opening the way for direct flights between the two countries.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obafemi Bajomo, Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investments to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, revealed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Sunday.
Bajomo explained that the final documents have been concluded and will be exchanged during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Brasília later this month.
He said, “ At the heart of this visit lies a long-anticipated breakthrough, the signing of BASA, a milestone that promises to redefine air connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange between the two largest economies in Africa and South America.”
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 15 for a two-nation working trip to Japan and Brazil. According to the Presidency, he will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22 before heading to Brasília on August 24 for a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bajomo noted that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will accompany Tinubu to witness the signing of the agreement. He added that the BASA is expected to allow four to five weekly direct flights, likely operated by Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Caverton.
Tracing the roots of the deal, Bajomo recalled that “This journey began in May 2025, when the Minister led a Nigerian delegation to Brazil to open formal bilateral talks with his counterpart, Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.”
“Those discussions, held in Brasília, went beyond ceremonial pleasantries; they birthed a technical working group tasked with harmonising the BASA for imminent signature.”
He stressed that both countries had worked to cut through bureaucratic delays, completing all statutory processes including Federal Executive Council approval and clearance from the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Bajomo added, “Today, that vision stands on the cusp of reality, with all statutory processes and ministerial vetting.”
“Also, legal clearance by the Federal Ministry of Justice, and Federal Executive Council approval-already completed.”
Highlighting the benefits of the agreement, he said, “The direct flights by the BASA will reduce travel time, cut logistics costs, and open new trade corridors for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and services.”
“For Nigerian exporters, Brazilian markets will become more accessible than ever before.”
Beyond trade, Bajomo emphasised the cultural value of the partnership. He explained, “ With deep-rooted Yoruba heritage woven into Brazil’s history, this agreement reactivates centuries-old cultural bonds, opening opportunities for tourism, festivals, and people-to-people exchanges.”
He also revealed that Nigeria and Brazil plan to deepen technical cooperation in aviation through pilot training and airport infrastructure development.
Bajomo said, “If signed as planned, the BASA will be a bridge of opportunity. It will connect two continents through commerce, tourism, and shared aspirations, strengthening not only economic resilience but also cultural understanding.”
He added that Keyamo described Nigeria and Brazil as “ twins separated at birth, now reunited,” to reflect the historic ties between both nations.
