President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday began a two-day state visit to Brazil, where Nigeria and the South American nation signed a bilateral air service agreement aimed at strengthening trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties.
Tinubu, accompanied by senior cabinet members including the Ministers of Finance, Aviation, Foreign Affairs, and Agriculture, was received in Brasília by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The meeting marked a key step in advancing cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s largest.
The highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, represented his country. The agreement, witnessed by both presidents, will allow direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
Officials said the new framework is expected to facilitate stronger economic integration, improve mobility, and encourage investment between the two countries. It will also enhance cultural exchange and provide new opportunities in tourism and business.
Speaking after the signing, President Lula welcomed the agreement, stressing Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria not only in aviation but also in agriculture and infrastructure development.
Tinubu’s visit also includes meetings with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court. High-level talks between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations are scheduled to continue on Thursday, covering multiple sectors.
The agreement is regarded as a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand global partnerships and strengthen bilateral ties with strategic economies.
