Nigeria is set to sign a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Brasilia, following his participation in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan.
The agreement, which has undergone all statutory clearances and approvals, is expected to open direct flight routes between the two nations, with Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and Caverton anticipated to operate the service.
Officials say the deal will pave the way for four to five weekly flights across the South Atlantic, cutting travel time, reducing logistics costs, and unlocking new trade corridors. It is also expected to boost agricultural and manufactured exports, expand tourism, and deepen cultural exchanges, particularly given Brazil’s historical ties with Nigeria through the Yoruba heritage.
Beyond air connectivity, the two countries are also pursuing technical cooperation in pilot training and airport infrastructure upgrades. Describing the agreement as “a bridge of opportunity,” Nigerian officials say the BASA will strengthen economic resilience, cultural bonds, and people-to-people exchanges, positioning both nations as stronger partners on the global stage.