In what many have described as a major step for Nigeria–Brazil relations, Air Peace is set to begin direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo.
The development followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, where several key agreements were signed between both nations.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the new flight route was among the highlights of President Tinubu’s talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
At a joint press conference, President Lula stressed the importance of expanding travel and business links between the two countries.
He said: “Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies.
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.”
The announcement came shortly after Tinubu and Lula da Silva witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.
Among them was a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos.
This pact is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s biggest nation.
In addition, an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation was concluded between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Ambassador Mauro Vieira.
This move will deepen collaboration in diplomatic education and capacity building.
Furthermore, both governments signed deals covering biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, innovation, digital transformation, raw materials research, and even space development.
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, signed on behalf of the country, while Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, represented her nation.
The scope of cooperation also extended to agriculture and finance.
The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, signed a memorandum of understanding with Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante.
The agreement seeks to expand agricultural financing, investments, and joint farming projects.
Meanwhile, for Brazil, the partnership reflects President Lula’s ambition to deepen ties with Africa.
As the Brazilian President said during the joint briefing: “This is about building bridges, not just between governments but also between our people.”
