Finalising new Basa arrangements
In line with the directive of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Festus Keyamo San, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, has commenced high-level discussions with the Brazilian ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (Basa) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil. This strategic meeting follows the MOU signed between the two nations in 2018, aimed at boosting air connectivity and economic cooperation.
President Tinubu and Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shared their interests during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the Basa arrangements, recognising the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil. Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route. (cj)