Nigeria has signed a bilateral air service agreement (BASA)
with Brazil to deepen economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two
countries.
In a statement on Monday, Tunde Moshood, special adviser on
media and communications to the minister of aviation and aerospace development,
said the signing ceremony took place during President Bola Tinubu’s two-day
visit to Brazil.
Moshood said Tinubu, who led a delegation comprising senior
cabinet members, was received by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Among those on the presidential entourage are Wale Edun,
minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Bianca Onoh
Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs; Festus Keyamo, minister of
aviation and aerospace development; and Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture
and food security.
According to Moshood, a major highlight of the visit was the
signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalising a direct flight
agreement between Nigeria and Brazil.
“The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister
of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, alongside
Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both
Heads of State,” the statement reads.
“The BASA establishes a new framework for direct air
connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, opening fresh avenues for trade,
tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
“It is expected to foster stronger economic integration,
facilitate cultural ties, and enhance diplomatic cooperation between both
nations.”
Moshood said the agreement is a strategic milestone that
underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s
global partnerships and creating enabling environments for commerce and
mobility.
In his remarks, the Brazilian president praised the
partnership and affirmed Brazil’s willingness to deepen its ties with Nigeria
across various sectors, including aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure
development.
The statement also noted that during the state visit, Tinubu
is expected to hold meetings with the President of the Brazilian senate at the
national congress, as well as the Presidents of the chamber of deputies and the
supreme federal court.
“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also
feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations
across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a
future of mutual growth and prosperity,” Moshood said.
On October 7, 2024, Nigeria commenced discussions with
Brazil to facilitate direct flights.
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