Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, will soon commence direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo, following an agreement reached during President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to Brazil.
At a joint press conference in Brasília, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed the development, saying the new route would strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties between Africa’s and Latin America’s largest economies.
“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 announcement came after a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto, where both leaders also witnessed the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Key Agreements Signed:
Aviation: 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 (BASA) to facilitate the new flight route and enhance people-to-people exchange.
Diplomacy: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed two agreements: one on Diplomatic Training Cooperation and another on Political Consultations covering bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Science & Innovation: Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, signed an MoU on cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, space, digital transformation, and raw materials research.
Finance & Agriculture: Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MoU to expand agricultural financing, trade, and joint investment projects.
The agreements are expected to deepen economic cooperation, expand market access, and open new opportunities for businesses in both countries.