Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, has received approval to begin direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo. This marks a significant milestone in bilateral ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

The development was announced following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brasília, where he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

At a joint press briefing, Lula confirmed the deal, describing it as an important step in strengthening cooperation between both nations.

“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,” Lula said.

The agreement was finalized after a two-hour bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto, during which both leaders witnessed the signing of several accords and memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

According to presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, 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 boosting trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

Additional agreements signed during the visit included:

Diplomatic Training and Political Cooperation: Nigeria’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, signed deals on diplomatic training and political consultations.

Science and Technology Collaboration: Nigerian innovation minister Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Luciana Santos signed an MoU covering biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research.

Agricultural and Investment Financing: Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s BNDES chief, Aluísio Mercadante, sealed a cooperation pact on agricultural financing, trade, and joint investment projects.

Tinubu, who arrived in Brasília on August 25 after a visit to Los Angeles, said the agreements show Nigeria’s commitment to deepening international partnerships that deliver tangible economic benefits.

The new Lagos–São Paulo route will be Air Peace’s first intercontinental service to South America, expected to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and trade between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s biggest market.