On August 25, 2025, Nigeria and Brazil signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that paves the way for direct flights between the two nations. The signing was carried out by Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, and his Brazilian counterpart, Silvio Costa Filho, witnessed by President Bola Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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The BASA establishes a legal and operational framework to enable direct commercial flights between Nigeria and Brazil—this could significantly bolster trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
This development marks the culmination of a process that gained momentum following preliminary talks in October 2024 and ongoing technical discussions in 2025.
The deal includes forming a technical working group to finalize the BASA for formal signature and implementation in the coming weeks.
Nigerian airlines Air Peace and Caverton have been earmarked to operate the new direct routes once operational.
The agreement is part of a wider agenda to deepen Nigeria–Brazil ties, enhancing connectivity while exploring collaboration beyond aviation into agriculture, infrastructure, and aerospace.
Linking Africa’s largest economy with one of South America’s largest through direct flights fills a long-standing void—especially between major cities like Lagos and São Paulo.
Direct air routes typically drive economic growth, expanding opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
The agreement aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to expand its aviation footprint internationally and strengthen trade corridors under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”
During the visit, President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
The working visit will feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, highlighting both nations’ commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.
President Tinubu was accompanied by senior cabinet members, including Mr Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Amb, Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Others in the delegation include Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Mr Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; as well as other top government officials.
