Nigeria and Brazil ink BASA to boost cultural ties and connect two distant continents
On May 8, 2025, Nigeria and Brazil reached a decisive stage in finalizing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), a deal that will allow direct commercial flights between the two countries for the first time, according to an officially confirmed statements from both governments.
The move comes after years of bureaucratic delays and followed by renewed high-level talks between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.
Both sides have now formed a technical working group to draft and harmonize the agreement, with the aim of signing it within weeks. The BASA is not just about flights but an agreement that responds to a clear business needs and economic growth strategies of both countries, which Aviation plays a critical role. Both countries want to expand cooperation in the aviation sector and have agreed to share technical expertise, offering training, and invest in airport infrastructure.
These steps aim to modernize their aviation industries and make them more competitive. However, the deal also builds on a 2018 memorandum of understanding and recent diplomatic meetings, showing a sustained push for closer ties between Brazil and Nigeria.
Another layer to the partnership is the cultural and historical links both countries share. Many Brazilians trace their ancestry to Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba community, a legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
Both governments see the direct flights as a way to deepen these ties and encourage more people-to-people contact, reenforcing a clear and mutual benefitial business connection. There’s n gansaying that direct flights will help exporters and importers earn high returns as air logostics would become cheaper and affordable .
This will also have a strong positive effect on both countries tourism sector as operators and investors will have faster access to new markets. The technical working group now faces the task of finalizing the BASA, but both sides have signaled urgency and optimism.
This air link marks a shift in how Brazil and Nigeria approach their economic and diplomatic relationship. By focusing on practical, mutual benefits, both countries aim to position themselves as key gateways between Africa and South America. Nigeria stands as Africa’s largest economy by population, while Brazil is one of the biggest in South America. Direct flights will cut travel time, reduce costs, and open new routes for goods and people.
Officials have discussed the potential for four to five direct flights each week, with Nigerian carriers Air Peace and Caverton designated to operate the route. Both governments believe this new air link will unlock opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment.
