Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest privately owned airline, is on course to launch direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil resulted in new aviation agreements.
At a joint press conference in Brasília, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared the new route a critical step in bridging Africa and South America.
Lula said, “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.”
The development comes after a two-hour strategic dialogue between Tinubu and Lula. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga confirmed that aviation, trade, and diplomacy topped the agenda.
The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed by Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filhos, will open up the aviation sector to new business, cultural, and tourism opportunities.
Beyond air services, Nigeria and Brazil signed additional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on science and technology, political consultations, and economic cooperation.
The new flight is expected to reduce barriers in business travel, facilitate cargo movement, and position Lagos as a strategic gateway between Africa and Latin America.