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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has begun discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both countries and initiate direct flights.
This was contained in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, and made available to PUNCH Online on Monday.
According to the statement, the strategic meeting follows the MoU signed between the two nations in 2018, aimed at boosting air connectivity and economic cooperation.
Moshood noted that during the discussion, both the minister and the ambassador emphasised the need for new BASA arrangements to reflect current realities in the aviation industry.
“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the BASA arrangements, recognising the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Moshood stated.
Speaking on the importance of direct flights, the ambassador highlighted the potential for immediate commencement of flight services, noting that both nations could facilitate 4 to 5 flights per week.
“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated.
He also mentioned the need to finalise the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.
Moshood further added that the aviation minister, while expressing appreciation for the ambassador’s visit, expressed optimism about the potential economic impact of BASA.
Quoting Keyamo, Moshood noted, “There are numerous similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges,” Keyamo said.
Once the agreement is finalised, the minister’s aide hinted that Air Peace and Caverton have been designated to operate the route.
“To ensure the smooth finalisation of this initiative, both countries have agreed to set up committees to draft and finalise new BASA arrangements. The ambassador also extended an invitation to the Honourable Minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
“Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. With the operationalisation of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for enhanced growth and expanded international reach,” the statement partly reads.
