May 06, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, is making efforts to see the possibility of a direct air link between Nigeria and South America
The step is in furtherance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to establish a direct air route between Nigeria and South America, and to achieve it, Keyamo had on Monday, travelled to Brazil on a strategic working visit.
The Honourable Minister touched down in Brazil late Monday, accompanied by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, and representatives of local Nigerian airline operators.
At the heart of the visit is a high-level engagement with global aircraft manufacturer and lessor, Embraer, at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo State.
Embraer, a renowned leader in regional aircraft production, is collaborating with the Nigerian delegation to explore avenues for strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem through enhanced access to modern aircraft, favourable leasing options, and a network of credible financiers.
“We had extensive discussions with Embraer on how they can support our aviation sector with their vast network of lessors and financial institutions. The goal is to empower Nigerian operators with the tools and partnerships necessary for growth and expansion”, said the Honourable Minister.
The working visit continues on Tuesday, in Brasilia, where the Honourable Minister is scheduled to meet with his Brazilian counterpart, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Sílvio Costa Filho. Central to the agenda is the review and adjustment of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil to allow for the immediate commencement of direct flight operations between the two countries.
According to the stakeholders, this historic initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to boost regional connectivity, expand international trade, and foster closer diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and South America.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
