The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have rekindled their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) , which had been stalled for years due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. This renewed commitment was announced through a statement by Tunde Moshood , media aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo , on Wednesday.
To expedite the process, both nations have established a technical working group tasked with harmonizing the BASA for signature within the coming weeks. This development marks a significant step toward strengthening ties and fostering connectivity between Africa and South America .
Reviving the Stalled Agreement
Discussions on the BASA had previously stalled but were reignited during a meeting between Keyamo and Mr. Silvio Costa Filho , Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, at the ministry’s headquarters in Brasília.
The agreement is expected to introduce direct flight services between Nigeria and Brazil, unlocking new opportunities for tourism , trade , and cultural exchange .
“This is going to be a symbiotic relationship beneficial to you and beneficial to us,” Keyamo said. “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.”
Cultural Ties Strengthen Partnership
Highlighting the unique cultural connection between the two nations, Keyamo noted that Nigeria and Brazil share a common history, particularly through the Yoruba tribe , whose descendants in Brazil still speak the language.
“We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited,” he remarked, sparking laughter and warmth in the room. The meeting concluded with a symbolic knuckle exchange between the two ministers, informally sealing the deal.
Beyond Air Connectivity
Both ministers expressed interest in exploring additional areas of cooperation, including aviation development , knowledge exchange , technical training , infrastructure development , and investment opportunities .
The statement emphasized that the BASA arrangement would not only enhance air connectivity but also serve as a foundation for broader collaboration between the two nations.
The revival of the BASA between Nigeria and Brazil underscores a renewed commitment to fostering bilateral relations. With direct flights on the horizon, the agreement promises to unlock significant economic and cultural benefits for both regions.
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