By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, has secured approval to operate direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, marking a major milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Brazil.
The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, via his official X handle. He revealed that the service—expected to commence soon—was one of the key outcomes of President Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil and his discussions with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Quoting the Brazilian leader, Mr Onanuga wrote: “Expanding direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is an essential step towards reinforcing the bonds between our two nations. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, linking Lagos with São Paulo.”
Following an extended two-hour bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, both leaders witnessed the signing of several landmark agreements designed to boost cooperation across multiple sectors.
Highlights include:
- Bilateral Air Services Agreement: Signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, to enhance trade and cultural exchange.
- Diplomatic Training Cooperation Agreement: Endorsed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira.
- Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations: Aimed at fostering collaboration on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern.
The introduction of direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo is expected to open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, while further cementing diplomatic ties between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s biggest nation.
