Nigeria and Brazil have taken a major step toward strengthening ties as both countries approved the launch of a direct flight service between Lagos and São Paulo. The route, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, was formally announced by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and posted on the President’s X handle. According to the statement, the deal was revealed at a joint press conference held by the two leaders following an expanded two-hour bilateral meeting in Brasília, Brazil’s capital.
President da Silva described the agreement as a milestone that will significantly deepen economic, cultural, and social relations between Africa’s most populous nation and South America’s largest economy. “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 Brazilian leader declared.
The air transport agreement builds on earlier discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and his Brazilian counterpart, Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Filhos, who signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement on Monday.
The Punch reports that the Lagos–São Paulo flight is expected to ease travel, boost trade, and promote tourism between both nations, creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike.
Beyond aviation, President Tinubu’s visit also produced a series of strategic agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, alongside Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation. The pact will strengthen institutional collaboration and enhance professional exchange between the foreign service corps of both nations.
In addition, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to foster deeper collaboration on regional and international matters of shared interest.
On science and technology, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, entered into an agreement with Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos. The wide-ranging MoU covers cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, space development, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems areas both nations consider critical to economic modernization and sustainable growth.
Agriculture and trade also featured prominently in the discussions. The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development, Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MoU to harmonize efforts on agricultural financing and investment promotion. The agreement seeks to expand trade, strengthen investment flows, and establish joint development projects that will benefit both economies.
With these agreements, President Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil has set the stage for stronger bilateral cooperation. From unlocking direct air connectivity to boosting trade, innovation, and diplomacy, the visit marks a significant step in repositioning Nigeria as a strategic partner for South America’s largest economy.
