Nigeria, Brazil Deepen Ties as Air Peace Secures Approval for Direct Lagos–São Paulo Flights

Nigeria’s flagship airline, Air Peace, has secured approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, marking a significant boost in Nigeria-Brazil relations. The announcement came during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brasília, where he held high-level talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Speaking at a joint press conference, President Lula hailed the move as a vital stride in enhancing connectivity and cooperation between both 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,” Lula stated, emphasizing its importance in fostering stronger societal ties.

The agreement followed a two-hour bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto, where the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Nigeria’s aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s minister of ports and airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a bilateral air services agreement aimed at improving trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations.

Other key agreements included:

Diplomatic and Political Cooperation: Signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, covering diplomatic training and consultations.

Science and Technology: An MoU on biotechnology, digital transformation, and space research was signed by Nigeria’s Innovation Minister Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Luciana Santos.

Agriculture and Investment Financing: A deal between Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture and Brazil’s BNDES will support trade, agricultural funding, and joint investment initiatives.


President Tinubu, who arrived in Brasília from Los Angeles on August 25, said the newly signed deals reflect Nigeria’s focus on expanding global partnerships that yield real economic impact. The Lagos–São Paulo route will be Air Peace’s first intercontinental link to South America, expected to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two regional powers.