Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is set to commence direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo, Brazil, following key agreements reached during President Bola Tinubu’s official state visit to Brazil.
At a joint press conference held at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the landmark deal, emphasizing its importance for strengthening bilateral relations.
“Increasing 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,” President Lula stated.
The new direct flight will not only improve travel and tourism between Africa and South America but also boost trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil.
During a two hour expanded bilateral meeting, President Tinubu and President Lula witnessed the signing of several strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors:
- 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, to expand air connectivity and enhance people-to-people ties.
- Diplomatic Training Cooperation: Signed by Nigeria’s Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, aimed at deepening diplomatic collaboration.
- Political Consultations MoU: To promote bilateral, regional, and global cooperation on shared issues.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation Partnership: Signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, covering biotechnology, ocean science, digital transformation, energy, and space development.
- Agriculture and Investment Cooperation: Signed between Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture (BoA), represented by Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), represented by Aluísio Mercadante, to expand agricultural financing, trade, and joint investment projects.
The Lagos–São Paulo route will mark a significant milestone for Air Peace, which continues to expand its international operations. This new route positions the airline as a key player in connecting West Africa directly to South America, a move expected to open new business and tourism opportunities for Nigerians and Brazilians alike.
With this historic agreement, Nigeria and Brazil are set to enjoy stronger economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties. The direct Lagos–São Paulo flight by Air Peace is expected to commence soon, offering travelers greater convenience and reinforcing President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships.
