In this article, we discuss the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Government of Brazil, which pave the way for direct flights between the two countries. Why is this route significant, and will it truly benefit Nigerians? Let’s explore.
Historical Context of Direct Flights
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There is a history of direct flights between Brazil and Nigeria. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Brazilian carrier Varig operated direct flights to Lagos, Nigeria, providing a direct air link between the two nations. Additionally, Nigeria Airways, Nigeria’s former national carrier, maintained limited connections between Latin America and Nigeria during the same period. This historical precedent helps explain the potential demand for reintroducing this route.
The Case for Lagos to Sao Paulo
São Paulo, the largest city in South America by geography and population, is home to a significant number of Nigerians. Nigerians living in Sao Paulo or other parts of Brazil would greatly benefit from direct flights between Sao Paulo and Lagos. Currently, these individuals must rely on indirect routes, often flying through other African countries to reach Nigeria. Popular options include Air Maroc, which requires a stop in Morocco; the Angolan national carrier with flights from São Paulo to Luanda and then to Lagos; or Ethiopian Airlines, which offers flights via Addis Ababa to Lagos, Enugu, or Kano. A less common option is South African Airways, with flights from Cape Town or Johannesburg to São Paulo.
Benefits for Nigerians in South America and Beyond
The direct Lagos-São Paulo route will be highly valuable for Nigerians living in Brazil and other South American countries, as there are currently no direct flights from West Africa to South America. Nigerians are also present in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela. Additionally, Nigerians in Caribbean countries often face long, indirect flights through the Middle East or avoid North America and Western Europe due to strict transit visa requirements. Brazil, which does not require transit visas, could serve as a convenient hub, as São Paulo offers numerous direct flights to South American and Caribbean destinations.
Economic and Cultural Synergies
Brazil is a massive country in terms of economy, with a GDP of around $2 trillion annually, population (over 200 million), and geography, making it the largest in South America. The introduction of direct flights could foster significant synergy between Brazil and Nigeria. These flights are likely to spark curiosity among Brazilians about Nigeria, boosting tourism and business opportunities. Similarly, Nigerians may find it more convenient to explore Brazilian destinations, such as Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis, compared to indirect routes to places like Dubai, London, or Amsterdam, where direct flights from Nigeria already exist.
The Air Peace Effect
The Nigerian airline Air Peace is known for disrupting international routes, as seen with its Lagos-to-London and Abuja-to-London services. Previously, foreign airlines charged high fares in foreign currencies for these routes, making travel expensive for Nigerians. Since Air Peace entered the market, offering fares in Naira, prices have dropped significantly. The presence of Air Peace on the Nigeria-Brazil route, with fares in Naira, is expected to increase interest among Nigerians, making travel to Brazil more accessible and appealing.
Infrastructure Improvements in Lagos
The Nigerian Minister of Aviation has announced plans to upgrade the main terminal of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, including the addition of a direct airside transit facility. Currently, transiting through Lagos is challenging, as passengers must clear immigration and customs, collect luggage, and check in again. This is particularly inconvenient for those travelling from West African countries like Ghana to destinations like Luanda. The new transit facility will make the Lagos-São Paulo route more viable, enabling passengers from Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and other West African nations with direct flights to Nigeria to access South America more efficiently. This is a significant improvement, as routes via Morocco, Angola, South Africa, or Ethiopia are geographically farther from West Africa.
Scepticism and Future Outlook
One point of scepticism is why this route has not been reignited sooner. If demand were strong, a major Brazilian carrier like LATAM might have already restarted it. However, the enthusiasm from the Nigerian government and Air Peace suggests that demand exists and will grow. Over time, this route is expected to drive growth, exchanges, tourism, and business between West Africa and South America.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of direct flights between Lagos and Sao Paulo holds immense potential for Nigerians, Brazilians, and the broader West African and South American regions. If you found this article insightful, feel free to share and stay tuned for more updates!
