By Joy Baba-Yesufu
Air Peace has etched its name into aviation history by operating the first-ever direct passenger flight between Nigeria and Brazil, a move expected to reshape connectivity between Africa and South America.
The inaugural São Paulo–Lagos service, operated with a Boeing 777, followed the recent signing of a landmark Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in Brasília.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who joined the maiden flight, described the development as a “game changer” for trade and travel. According to him, journeys that once lasted up to 20 hours via Europe or the Middle East will now be significantly shorter.
Keyamo also announced that Air Peace has placed an order for 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, deepening aviation and economic ties between the two countries.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, praised President Tinubu for his role in driving the milestone. “Instead of spending two days travelling through foreign hubs, Nigerians now have direct access to South America’s largest economy. This partnership will open immense opportunities in trade, tourism, and culture,” Onyema said.
The BASA was formally sealed in a joint ceremony between Minister Keyamo and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, and witnessed by both Heads of State. The agreement provides a framework for direct air connectivity between Lagos and São Paulo, aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and diplomatic cooperation.
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva hailed the development as a turning point in bilateral relations, expressing Brazil’s commitment to deepen collaboration with Nigeria not only in aviation but also in agriculture and infrastructure.
