In a landmark development aimed at strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and Brazil, both countries have revived their long-stalled Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). This renewed partnership is expected to foster greater connectivity between Africa and South America, opening the door for direct flight services, and promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two regions.
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil officially revived their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), which had been sidelined for several years due to bureaucratic challenges. On May 7, 2025, a technical working group was established to fast-track the finalization of the agreement, with plans to harmonize the arrangement and sign it within the next few weeks.
This was confirmed in a statement by Tunde Moshood, the media aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The agreement’s renewal is seen as a crucial step in deepening bilateral ties and enhancing the travel infrastructure between the two countries. The BASA aims to establish direct air links between Nigeria and Brazil, which would be a game-changer for tourism, trade, and cultural engagement.
The revival of the BASA came after a series of high-level meetings between Nigerian officials and their Brazilian counterparts. One key meeting took place in Brasília, where Festus Keyamo met with Mr. Silvio Costa Filho, Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports. The ministers underscored their commitment to making the agreement a reality, with the establishment of the technical working group serving as a clear indication of both nations’ resolve to move forward with the partnership.
Keyamo emphasized that the air link between Nigeria and Brazil is more than just an aviation agreement; it is an essential means of bolstering economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations. He highlighted the strategic importance of both countries, noting that Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, while Brazil stands as one of the largest in South America.
“This air link must commence without delay,” Keyamo asserted. “This is going to be a symbiotic relationship that benefits both of us. We share a common history, and we are like brothers and sisters. This initiative will be a significant step in reconnecting our peoples.”
One of the most poignant moments during the discussions was the recognition of the cultural and historical ties between the two nations. Minister Keyamo pointed out that both Nigeria and Brazil share deep historical and cultural connections, particularly through the Yoruba people. The Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, have a strong presence in Brazil, where many still speak the Yoruba language.
“We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited,” Keyamo said, bringing warmth and a sense of camaraderie to the conversation. The remark, which struck a chord with the Brazilian delegation, was met with laughter and led to a symbolic knuckle exchange between the two ministers, informally sealing the deal. This exchange reflected the strong goodwill and collaborative spirit between the two nations.
While the BASA’s primary focus is to enhance air connectivity, both Keyamo and Costa Filho expressed interest in expanding cooperation beyond aviation. The ministers discussed a wide range of areas where the two countries could collaborate, including aviation development, infrastructure enhancement, technical training, and knowledge exchange. Both governments are eager to explore avenues for investment in the aviation sector, with the aim of modernizing airports and facilitating smoother travel and cargo transit between Nigeria and Brazil.
The ministers also underscored the importance of exploring mutual opportunities in sectors such as trade, education, and tourism. With direct flights between the two nations set to commence soon, these sectors are expected to experience significant growth, providing a substantial boost to bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.
The commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil will significantly enhance economic interactions between the two countries. By facilitating easier movement of goods and people, the BASA will encourage greater trade, making it easier for businesses to expand their reach across South America and Africa.
In terms of tourism, the new air services will provide an accessible avenue for travelers from both nations to explore each other’s countries. Brazil’s rich cultural heritage, including its famous Carnival, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities, will attract Nigerian tourists, while Nigeria’s diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural festivals will equally draw Brazilian visitors.
The revival of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Brazil marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between the two nations. By facilitating direct flight services, the agreement will not only enhance economic and cultural exchanges but also pave the way for more significant collaborations across various sectors.
Both governments have demonstrated a strong commitment to building a more integrated partnership, with air connectivity serving as the foundation for greater cooperation. As the technical working group moves forward with the finalization of the agreement, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the transformative potential of this renewed relationship, promising benefits for both countries and their people.