Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is set to commence direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, Brazil, following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the South American nation.
The agreement was announced on Monday during a joint press conference between Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.
“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,” President Lula said.
The new route was one of several outcomes of a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting between both leaders, which culminated in the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors.
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 aimed at boosting trade and enhancing people-to-people relations.
Other agreements included diplomatic training cooperation, political consultations, and collaborations in science, technology, innovation, and biotechnology. Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, and his Brazilian counterpart, Luciana Santos, formalised MoUs covering bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, space development, and digital transformation.
Additionally, Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture Managing Director, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) chief, Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MoU to expand agricultural financing, investments, and joint trade projects.
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria–Brazil relations, with direct air connectivity expected to drive economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between both countries.
