Nigeria and Brazil have signed several key agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. The move is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as aviation, trade, energy, agriculture, and science and technology.
The agreements were signed during a two-day state visit by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to Brazil, where he met with his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. One of the significant agreements signed was a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which will enable direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil for the first time in decades.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the BASA is a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation industry, as it will open up new opportunities for businesses, tourism, and enhance diplomatic ties. Air Peace, Nigeria’s designated air carrier for the Lagos-Sao Paulo route, is expected to begin direct flights by November 2025.
In addition to the BASA, the two countries also signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) in trade, energy, agriculture, and science and technology. The agreements are expected to boost bilateral commerce, enhance food security, and promote the development of clean energy projects. Brazil has also pledged to support Nigeria in scaling up solar, wind, and clean energy projects.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the agreements, stating that Brazil is a natural partner for Nigeria in agriculture, given their complementary resources and expertise. He also invited Petrobras, Brazil’s oil giant, to return to Nigeria and explore opportunities in the country’s oil and gas sector.
The visit has been seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil, with potential investment pledges in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure estimated at over $30 billion. The agreements are also expected to promote cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, reviving historical ties that date back to the 19th century.
Overall, the agreements signed between Nigeria and Brazil are expected to have a significant impact on the development of both countries, particularly in areas such as trade, energy, and agriculture. The success of these agreements will depend on the swift implementation by Nigeria’s ministries and agencies. If fully implemented, the agreements could unlock jobs, technology, and investment, advancing Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
