Air Peace Secures Direct Approval For Lagos–São Paulo Flights As Tinubu, Lula Deepen Nigeria-Brazil Ties

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has secured approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, Brazil, in what officials describe as a major breakthrough in the long-standing quest to expand air connectivity between Africa and South America.

The announcement came on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brasília, where he held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto.

At a joint press conference, Lula hailed the development as “an important step in strengthening cooperation between both nations,” noting that the direct route will enhance trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

“We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo,” the Brazilian leader said.

The agreement was sealed after a two-hour bilateral session, during which both leaders witnessed the signing of several accords and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) cutting across diplomacy, science, agriculture and investment.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria’s aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s minister of ports and airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, endorsed a bilateral air services pact to give effect to the new route.

Other agreements included:

Diplomatic Training and Political Cooperation: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and her Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, signed deals on diplomatic training and political consultations.

Science and Technology Collaboration: Nigeria’s innovation minister, Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Luciana Santos, agreed on cooperation in biotechnology, ocean science, space development, and digital transformation.

Agricultural and Investment Financing: Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture MD, Ayo Sotinrin, and BNDES president, Aluísio Mercadante, signed a pact to support agricultural financing and joint investment projects.

Tinubu, who arrived in Brasília on August 25 after attending an investment forum in Los Angeles, said the accords underscored Nigeria’s resolve to forge partnerships that deliver tangible economic benefits.

“The agreements we have signed today are not just symbolic; they reflect our commitment to creating opportunities for our people and to expanding Nigeria’s global footprint,” the President declared.

The Lagos–São Paulo service will be Air Peace’s first intercontinental flight to South America. Aviation experts say the move could unlock fresh opportunities in trade, tourism and business, connecting Africa’s largest economy with Latin America’s biggest market.