Amanze ChinonyeNigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is set to launch direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo following a landmark agreement reached during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
The deal was announced on Monday after President Tinubu held a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen relations between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest nation.
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Speaking at a joint press conference, President Lula described the development as a new chapter in Nigeria–Brazil ties. “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,” he said.
The historic agreement was cemented with the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho. The deal is expected to open new corridors for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, while reducing travel costs and boosting people-to-people connectivity. For Nigerians, this means easier access to South America’s largest market, new opportunities for businesses, and greater visibility for the country on the global stage.
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Further agreements were signed across multiple sectors. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation, as well as an MoU on political consultations to tackle bilateral, regional, and international issues of shared concern.
On the technology front, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, signed an MoU with Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos. The agreement covers cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, innovation ecosystems, energy, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research.
Agriculture and finance also featured prominently. The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, signed a memorandum of understanding with Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante. The pact is aimed at expanding agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects to drive food security and economic growth in both countries.
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Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the series of agreements as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s global economic repositioning.
In a statement issued in Brasília, Onanuga noted that “the signing of these agreements is not just about aviation or trade; it is about Nigeria reclaiming its rightful place on the global stage. Direct flights to São Paulo will shorten distances, attract investments, strengthen cultural bonds, and provide fresh opportunities for Nigerian businesses to access South America’s largest market.”
The Nigeria–Brazil engagement reflects a renewed push by both nations to expand South-South cooperation beyond traditional Western partners. Observers believe the new air corridor and associated trade pacts could help revive bilateral trade, which has dropped from nearly $9 billion a decade ago to about $2 billion today.
For President Tinubu, who has prioritized foreign direct investment and improved international market access for Nigerian businesses, the deals reached in Brasília mark a significant step in his administration’s diplomatic and economic agenda.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
