Landmark Aviation Deal to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Bilateral Relations Between Nigeria and Brazil
Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace, will soon commence direct flights between Lagos, Nigeria, and São Paulo, Brazil, following a major agreement reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
The announcement was made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at a joint press conference with President Tinubu in Brasília. He described the direct connection as a crucial step toward strengthening economic, social, and cultural ties between the two nations.
“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. Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies,” Lula said
The agreement was formalised after a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto, where both leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors.
Key Agreements Signed: Aviation & Connectivity: A Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed by Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filhos, enabling the new Air Peace route and boosting aviation cooperation.
Diplomatic Relations: An agreement on diplomatic training cooperation and an MoU on political consultations, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Mauro Vieira, aimed at enhancing collaboration on regional and international issues.
Science & Technology: A wide-ranging MoU signed by Nigeria’s Science and Technology Minister Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Minister Luciana Santos, covering biotechnology, ocean science, energy, space research, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems.
Agriculture & Trade: A trade and investment cooperation MoU signed by Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture MD Ayo Sotinrin and Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) Minister Aluísio Mercadante, focusing on agricultural financing, joint projects, and investment promotion.
The direct flight and associated agreements mark a new phase in Nigeria–Brazil relations, positioning both nations to expand trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest nation.
