Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil secures direct Air Peace flight from Lagos to São Paulo

Abdullateef Fowewe

During President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to Brazil, a landmark agreement was reached to launch a direct flight route between Lagos and São Paulo, operated by Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, said a statement on Tuesday by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

This development marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and boosting economic and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and Brazil.

At a joint press conference, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted the importance of this new air connection, stating, “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 direct flight agreement was among several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and bilateral agreements signed following a two-hour expanded meeting between the two leaders at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost trade and people-to-people ties.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation.

Onanuga continues, “Both ministers also signed an MoU on political consultations to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of common interest.

“Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, signed an MoU on cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, innovation ecosystems, energy, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research.

“Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MOU for cooperation on trade and investment promotion, harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects.”