Nigeria and Brazil have formed a joint technical working group to finalise their long-awaited direct flight agreement, marking a crucial step toward enhanced air connectivity between the two nations.
Arise News reports that the decision was made during a high-level meeting between Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Silvio Costa Filho, Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tunde Moshood, the Nigerian minister’s special adviser on media and communications, announced that the meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to finalising the bilateral air service agreement (BASA), which had previously faced bureaucratic delays.
“Both ministers recalled the deep historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil and agreed on the urgent need to operationalise a direct air link between the two nations,” the statement read.
“To this end, the ministers jointly announced the immediate constitution of a technical working group tasked with drafting and harmonising the BASA for signature within the coming weeks.
“This development is a precursor to the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, a major milestone that will open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.”
During the meeting, Keyamo stressed the initiative’s importance, highlighting its potential to strengthen economic and cultural connections.
Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, and Brazil is one of the biggest in South America. No matter how we want to look at it, this air-link must commence without delay, Keyamo said.
He further emphasised the historical bonds between the two countries, noting, “Nigeria and Brazil share a common history. We are like brothers and sisters.
There is a particular tribe in Nigeria, the Yoruba, that lives here in Brazil and still speaks the same language. We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited.”
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Moshood also revealed that the ministers expressed interest in extending their cooperation beyond air connectivity.
They discussed potential collaborations in knowledge sharing, technical training, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
The meeting forms part of Keyamo’s ongoing working visit to Brazil, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to establish a direct air corridor between Nigeria and South America.
During his visit, the Nigerian minister also met with top executives at Embraer, a leading global aircraft manufacturer, at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.
Discussions centred on enhancing Nigeria’s aviation sector by facilitating access to modern aircraft, offering affordable leasing options, and securing financing for local airline operators.
FAQs on Nigeria-Brazil Direct Flight Agreement
What is the Nigeria-Brazil direct flight agreement?
The Nigeria-Brazil direct flight agreement is a bilateral air service agreement (BASA) that aims to establish direct flights between the two nations to enhance travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
Why has the agreement taken so long to finalise?
The agreement had been stalled due to bureaucratic challenges, including regulatory approvals, logistical concerns, and policy negotiations between countries.
What was decided during the recent meeting between Nigerian and Brazilian aviation ministers?
Both ministers agreed to operationalise a direct air link between Nigeria and Brazil and established a joint technical working group to finalise the agreement within the coming weeks.
How will direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil benefit travellers?
Direct flights will significantly reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, boost tourism, and strengthen business ties between the two countries.
When will direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil begin?
While an official launch date has not been announced, the technical working group is expected to finalise the agreement soon, paving the way for direct flights.
What airlines are expected to operate the direct flight route?
The Nigerian and Brazilian governments are working on the agreement, but specific airlines expected to service the route have not yet been disclosed.
Will the direct flights improve trade relations between Nigeria and Brazil?
Yes, direct air links will facilitate business transactions, improve cargo transportation, and enhance investment opportunities between the two countries.
How does this initiative align with Nigeria’s aviation development goals?
The agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to establish a direct air corridor between Nigeria and South America, strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Are there plans beyond air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil?
Yes, discussions have also explored collaborations in knowledge sharing, technical training, infrastructure development, and investment in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
