The government of Nigeria has secured a landmark agreement with Brazil that will allow Air Peace Nigeria Limited to operate direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo. The announcement came during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, which saw the signing of multiple bilateral agreements across key sectors.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva revealed the aviation breakthrough during a joint press briefing with Tinubu in Brasília. Lula remarked, “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.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, explained that the new direct route is part of a wider economic and diplomatic partnership.
The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to expand trade, business travel, and tourism.
Also signed were agreements in foreign affairs, with Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Ambassador Mauro Vieira committing to cooperation on diplomatic training and political consultations.
Science and technology cooperation was also a highlight, as Nigeria’s Geoffrey Nnaji partnered with Brazil’s Luciana Santos on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that encompasses biotechnology, innovation ecosystems, space technology, bioeconomy, and energy research.
On agriculture and finance, Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture Managing Director, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s Aluísio Mercadante of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development inked an MoU for trade and investment promotion, particularly in agricultural financing.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that these agreements will significantly expand Nigeria–Brazil trade relations, with the Air Peace direct flight expected to cut travel time, reduce costs for businesses, and enhance bilateral commerce.
