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Anthony Ufoh
The Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, following the establishment of direct air links between both countries.
President Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil signed the agreement that was formalised on Monday, 26 August 2025, on a state visit to Brasilia, Brazil.
The agreement between the South American giants and Nigeria, one of the largest economies in Africa, has been applauded in several quarters as the potential is mutually beneficial to both nations.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tinubu and the Brazilian President Lula da Silva in Brasilia, and also Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, signed for the host country.
The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations. The statement further noted that, “It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”
In the words of Oyenma, who wrote on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), states that it is wrong that there have been no direct air links between both nations, and he said that Air Peace has already made available a Boeing 777 plane for the route, which he believes would provide more employment directly and indirectly.
He also mentioned the advantages that would deepen cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
He said, “For the aviation industry, we must commend President Tinubu for taking decisive steps that are truly advantageous for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Brazil and Nigeria are the largest nations in their respective continents, and it has long been an aberration that there was no direct air connectivity between us until now.
“This agreement will unlock new opportunities, create thousands of jobs, and deepen cultural and economic ties. Air Peace is fully ready to play its part.
“ We came here with a Boeing 777 aircraft to demonstrate our commitment and to show Mr. President that we are prepared to serve this route and strengthen the bridge between our two nations,” he concluded.
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