President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, opening a new chapter in aviation, trade, and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.
The agreement was formalised on Monday in Brasília during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brazil. The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Tinubu, his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and top government officials from both countries. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, signed for his country.
The BASA paves the way for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, a move expected to deepen trade, tourism, investment, and cultural ties. According to a statement from Tunde Moshood, media aide to the aviation minister, the agreement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and boosting global connectivity.
Tinubu’s delegation included key cabinet members such as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari. Other senior officials also accompanied the president for the high-level visit.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva welcomed the development, describing the BASA as a major opportunity to expand cooperation between both nations. He highlighted aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure as priority areas where Brazil seeks closer collaboration with Nigeria. He also noted that the agreement reflects the strong bilateral relations and shared vision of both countries.
The Nigerian government believes the agreement will boost Air Peace and other Nigerian carriers’ opportunities to expand operations into South America. Following the development, Air Peace is expected to launch direct Lagos–São Paulo flights, a route that could ease travel burdens for business leaders, tourists, and the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil.
Tinubu’s two-day working visit also includes meetings with Brazil’s top political leaders. He is scheduled to engage the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court. These engagements are aimed at broadening Nigeria–Brazil cooperation beyond aviation to cover areas such as trade, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development.
Observers note that the BASA comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to expand its global partnerships and open new markets for its businesses. With Brazil being one of the world’s largest economies and a leading player in agriculture and manufacturing, the deal could unlock opportunities for Nigerian exporters and investors.
The visit, which continues on Tuesday, is expected to conclude with further high-level agreements that will reinforce both countries’ commitment to building a future of mutual prosperity.
