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Trade between Nigeria and Brazil has collapsed over the last decade, falling from \$10 billion to \$2 billion, a steep decline attributed to weak connectivity and long, indirect travel routes.
Now, with the launch of direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, leaders believe a new chapter of commerce, culture, and diplomacy is beginning.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the milestone as transformational.
Until now, travelers between Nigeria and Brazil endured journeys lasting 30 to 40 hours, often routed through Europe, the Middle East, or southern Africa.
Today, Nigeria’s largest carrier Air Peace has cut that time to just seven hours across the Atlantic.
“Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, and of course, Nigeria is considered the biggest economy in Africa. Connecting these two economies with direct flights was very key to both presidents,” he explained.
The Minister linked the decline in trade directly to poor connectivity. “Trade between both countries plummeted from \$10 billion to \$2 billion in 10 years, and that was how things got sore.”
“But with this, relations will pick up again. Key to all the agreements we signed is the connectivity between both countries.”
Keyamo emphasised that the service was not symbolic but a tangible step.
“What you are seeing today is the first foot. We are bringing back an actual fulfillment, an actual gain of that business, which is the first major flight between Brazil and Nigeria.”
“So, it is not an audio agreement. You are seeing it live.” He also noted the regional impact.
“This is not only a direct flight connection between Nigeria and Brazil. It is a connection between Nigeria and the entire South America.
“From Brazil, you can get interline to any part of South America and the Caribbean. This is huge for our economy. The whole of West Africa and Central Africa can come here to connect Air Peace.”
Direct Flights Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Onyema echoed the Minister’s views, underscoring the symbolism and practicality of direct flights.
“First of all, I thank God Almighty for this day because it has been long overdue. Like the Minister said, connectivity is the key to everything,” he said.
“Just seven hours apart. Before now, people had 30 hours, 40 hours, two days, three days. That air connectivity is now going to happen.
“This has worked for both countries. And both countries agree that Air Peace should do this. Both countries believe in Air Peace.”
Onyema also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s role in ensuring balanced international agreements.
“The President is not seeking the kind of partnership that will lord over us. He is seeking partnerships that are symbiotic in nature, not parasitic. Not one-sided agreements.
“He is seeking partners that will respect our sovereignty and not bully us. The dividends from all his shuttles are becoming manifest already.”
Air Peace, which has grown rapidly into West Africa’s largest airline, is preparing to scale up operations on the new route. Onyema confirmed readiness to increase service.
“On our part as Air Peace, we are ready to even start tomorrow with three weekly flights. We will build it up to become bigger.”
Industry observers note that this places Nigeria at the heart of a new aviation corridor linking West and Central Africa to South America.
Direct flights are expected to do more than revive trade. Nigeria and Brazil share strong cultural and historical ties, rooted in centuries of migration and shared heritage.
São Paulo is home to one of the largest Afro-descendant populations outside Africa, many tracing their ancestry to West Africa.
Improved air connectivity is therefore expected to stimulate tourism*, cultural exchanges, and academic collaborations.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), improved air links often result in higher foreign direct investment and stronger bilateral trade.
This makes the Nigeria-Brazil connection not just a transport achievement but also a potential economic catalyst.
The Nigeria-Brazil service is also being seen as part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria as an aviation hub.
With Air Peace leading intercontinental operations to London, Jeddah, and now São Paulo, officials believe Nigeria is reclaiming its strategic place on global air routes.
For passengers, the convenience is immediate. For businesses, it opens doors to partnerships in energy, agriculture, technology, and education.
For both governments, it marks the fulfillment of long-discussed agreements.
With direct flights now in place, trade and people-to-people ties between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest are poised for revival.
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