In a significant move to boost air connectivity between Africa and South America, the Federal Government has designated Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, to operate direct passenger flights between Nigeria and Brazil. This development follows a high-level bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, where both leaders agreed on the need for swift implementation of the agreement.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, confirmed the development during a television interview, revealing that while Air Peace will handle passenger operations, Brazil’s national airline, LATAM, will manage cargo services between the two countries. Tuggar noted that Brazil’s civil aviation authority is already prepared to grant LATAM immediate clearance for cargo operations into Nigeria, pending aircraft readiness from Air Peace.
He emphasized that the agreement goes beyond a typical memorandum of understanding, describing it as a firm bilateral commitment backed by direct presidential directives. “President Lula said, ‘I’m 79. Tinubu is 73. Time is not on our side.’ President Tinubu agreed and said, ‘Let’s not delay this. Let’s act fast,’” Tuggar recounted.
The minister added that the Brazil–Nigeria air link is part of a broader diplomatic and economic engagement, which also includes the Green Imperative Initiative — an agricultural partnership aimed at delivering projects to every local government in Nigeria. According to Tuggar, the aviation deal complements Brazil’s existing investment in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, now extending that collaboration to infrastructure and connectivity.
Further deepening ties, Tuggar disclosed that Brazil’s aircraft manufacturing giant, Embraer, is in discussions with Nigeria to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. This facility would cater to West and Central Africa, offering a cost-effective solution for aircraft servicing in the region. Air Peace, which currently operates Embraer aircraft, has placed firm orders for 35 Embraer jets — five of which have already been delivered. The minister highlighted that this development will reduce maintenance costs, limit aircraft downtime, and position Nigeria as a regional aviation hub.
Tuggar also underscored the strategic importance of Air Peace’s international expansion, stating, “Air Peace is not just a private airline; it is our national flag on international routes. Supporting its global access aligns with our foreign policy and economic priorities.”
Industry experts have welcomed the announcement, stating that the Air Peace Brazil route will enhance tourism, facilitate business travel, and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two regions. As both Nigeria and Brazil finalize operational details, stakeholders are optimistic about the benefits this direct air link will bring to the continent and beyond.
