Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has received official approval from Brazil to commence direct flight operations between Lagos and São Paulo. The milestone was announced during a state visit by President Bola Tinubu to Brazil, where he met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Lula confirmed the development at a joint press conference, emphasizing that increasing direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is key to deepening social and economic relations.
“We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo,” he stated.
Bilateral Agreements Driving Cooperation
The agreement followed a two-hour bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, where both leaders witnessed the signing of critical memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a bilateral air services agreement to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
Additionally, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on diplomatic training cooperation.
The two also endorsed an MoU on political consultations to enhance collaboration on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
Expanding Economic and Technological Partnerships
Broader cooperation also emerged in science, technology, and innovation, as Nigeria’s Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Luciana Santos signed an MoU covering biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, digital transformation, and raw materials research. This initiative is expected to foster joint research and strengthen innovation ecosystems in both countries.
In the area of economic development, Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, represented by Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), led by Aluísio Mercadante, formalized an MoU on trade and investment promotion.
The partnership aims to expand agricultural financing, boost investment, and advance joint projects in agribusiness.
Tinubu arrived in Brasília on August 25 for the two-day state visit after concluding engagements in Los Angeles, United States. He was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian officials, underscoring the importance of the trip in strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships.
The Lagos–São Paulo route represents a historic step for Air Peace and for Nigeria–Brazil relations, opening new opportunities in trade, tourism, aviation, and investment. With these agreements, both nations have signaled their commitment to building a robust and mutually beneficial partnership across multiple sectors.
