Nigeria’s aviation sector has recorded another milestone with the first direct flight from Brazil to Nigeria following the recently signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries.
The direct flight operated by Air Peace from São Paulo, Brazil route landed at the Murtala Mohammed international airport, Lagos at about 3:15pm Wednesday.
A move the Federal Government describes as not just an economic bridge but also a cultural and social link between Africa’s most populous nation and South America’s largest economy.
Speaking on the development on arrival at the Lagos Airport, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris who came with the aircraft, said the direct flight reflects President Bola Tinubu’s policy of placing Nigeria first in global partnerships.
According to him, the President is committed to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy direct access to opportunities without depending on foreign intermediaries.
“This is not only about trade and investment; it is also about cultural and social connections between two parts of the world”.
The Minister stressed that the direct flights underscore the government’s determination to strengthen ties that go beyond commerce.
The information minister, described the new route as “a step forward” in realizing President Tinubu’s vision of ensuring Nigerians benefit directly from international opportunities without unnecessary detours.
He further commended Air Peace for its resilience and commitment to expanding Nigeria’s footprint in global aviation.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo who came on the flight, said the development marks a turning point in Nigeria’s aviation history and bilateral relations with Brazil.
He recalled that trade between both nations had declined sharply from $10 billion to $2 billion in the past decade, largely due to poor connectivity.
“With this flight, relations will begin to rise again. Connectivity is at the heart of every agreement we signed, and today we are seeing the first real fulfillment of that decision. This is not an audio agreement, you can see it live”.
Until now, Nigerians travelling to Brazil had to transit through Europe or the Middle East, making the journey longer and more expensive.
The new direct route, the minister explained, eliminates these hurdles by connecting both countries across the Atlantic.
He credited President Bola Tinubu for pushing through the agreement, describing the resumption of flights as “the handiwork of the president” and a practical step towards repositioning Nigeria as a regional aviation hub.
Mr. Keyamo also highlighted that the benefits extend beyond Brazil, as passengers can connect from there to destinations across South America and the Caribbean.
This, he noted, positions Nigeria as the gateway to South America for West and Central Africa.
“For the first time, the whole of West and Central Africa can connect easily to Brazil through Nigeria. This means more traffic, more trade, and more opportunities for our economy”.
He further assured that flight frequencies will increase in the coming months, with airlines expected to design schedules that will boost passenger flow and cargo movement.
“This is just the beginning. Nigeria is ready to ramp up capacity and make the most of this historic connection.”
Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, said the development was “long overdue” and symbolic of the kind of international partnerships President Tinubu is pursuing for Nigeria.
He stressed that for years, travellers between the two countries endured 30 to 40-hour journeys, often spanning several days, due to the lack of direct air links.
“Now, with only seven hours between Nigeria and Brazil, the doors have been opened for trade, youth opportunities, and deeper collaboration”.
The Air Peace boss praised President Tinubu for what he described as “diplomatic shuttles that are yielding tangible dividends,” adding that the Nigerian leader has sought “partnerships that are symbiotic and respectful of Nigeria’s sovereignty, not parasitic agreements that compromise the country’s independence.”
Dr. Onyema also announced that Air Peace is fully prepared to commence operations on the Nigeria-Brazil route, with three weekly flights that could gradually scale up to daily services.
He emphasized that the benefits of this connection extend beyond the two countries, as other South American nations are already exploring interline arrangements to tap into the Lagos-São Paulo link.
“Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, Brazil the biggest in Latin America. With the human and natural resources both nations possess, the potential is immense. This is not just about flights, it’s about building a future of shared prosperity.”
He urged Nigerians to see the President’s diplomatic engagements not as “wasteful trips,” but as strategic moves already producing results, with the Nigeria-Brazil BASA serving as a prime example.
Onboard the aircraft from Brazil are the Ministers of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Defence, Aviation and Aerospace development, Industry, Trade and Investment, Chairman/CEO, Nigeria Diaspora Commission amongst others.
The Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo was represented by the NCAA’s Regional Manager, Barr. Olubukola Teriba.
With Air Peace’s entry into Brazil, industry experts say Nigeria is set to deepen bilateral relations, attract investments, boost tourism, and open fresh windows for stronger people-to-people connections between West Africa and Latin America.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen