Nigeria and Brazil Forge Direct Air Connectivity with Landmark Bilateral Agreement

Nigeria and Brazil have officially launched direct air connectivity following the signing of a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), a strategic move set to enhance trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties between Africa’s and South America’s largest economies.

The ceremony was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership. The agreement is poised to unlock new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange, fostering deeper economic integration and diplomatic cooperation.

In a statement, President Tinubu’s administration described the agreement as a “strategic milestone” that aligns with its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and enhancing mobility and commerce.

Under the terms of the agreement, flights will operate between Lagos, Nigeria, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilian carrier Varig Air will serve the route from the South American end, while Nigerian airlines Air Peace and Caverton will manage operations from Nigeria.

President Tinubu, who led a high-level delegation including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu; and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, was warmly received in Brasília by President Lula.

President Lula expressed Brazil’s enthusiasm for deepening ties with Nigeria across multiple sectors, including aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The agreement marks a pivotal step in solidifying the partnership between Africa’s and South America’s largest economies.