The Federal Government and the Federative Republic of Brazil have revived the Bilateral Air Service Agreement arrangement between Nigeria and Brazil, which had stalled years ago.

The countries have immediately set up a technical working group tasked with harmonising the BASA for signature within the coming weeks.

This was made public through a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, the media aide to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday.

Discussions on the BASA arrangement had hit a brick wall years ago over bureaucratic bottlenecks between the two countries.

Following the renewed commitment of the countries, the arrangement has, however, been sealed with a mandate to strengthen the countries’ relationship and foster connectivity between Africa and South America.

The BASA arrangement would also lead to direct flight services between the two countries.

The PUNCH gathered that Keyamo had met with Mr Silvio Costa Filho, the Minister of Ports and Airports of the Federative Republic of Brazil, at the ministry’s headquarters in Brasília to revive the deal.

The statement hinted that the meeting marked a renewed commitment by both countries to finalize the BASA arrangement.

“To this end, the ministers jointly announced the immediate constitution of a technical working group tasked with drafting and harmonising the BASA for signature within the coming weeks. This development is seen as a precursor to the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, a major milestone that will open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” the statement stated.

Speaking through an interpreter during the bilateral engagement, the aviation minister emphasised the mutual benefits of the initiative.

He said, “This is going to be a symbiotic relationship beneficial to you and beneficial to us. 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.”

Highlighting the unique cultural connection between the two nations, Keyamo added that “Nigeria and Brazil share a common history. We are like brothers and sisters. There is a particular tribe in Nigeria, the Yoruba, who live here in Brazil and still speak the same language.

“We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited.” The remark sparked laughter and warmth in the room, culminating in a symbolic knuckle exchange between the two Ministers, a gesture that informally signified the sealing of the deal.”

Beyond air connectivity, both Ministers expressed keen interest in exploring additional areas of cooperation in aviation development, knowledge exchange, technical training, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities.