The Federal Government has approved Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, to commence direct passenger flights to Brazil, marking a new chapter in Nigeria–Brazil relations.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made the announcement during a recent television interview, stating that the agreement followed a high-level bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to Tuggar, while Air Peace will handle passenger operations on the route, Brazil’s national carrier, LATAM, will manage the cargo segment between the two nations.
“Air Peace is going to be flying passengers between Nigeria and Brazil,” Tuggar stated. “LATAM will manage the cargo segment.”
Brazil’s civil aviation authorities, he said, are already prepared to grant LATAM immediate clearance to begin cargo operations into Nigeria.
The decision, he disclosed, stems from a joint directive by both presidents. “President Lula said, ‘I’m 79. Tinubu is 73. Time is not on our side.’ And President Tinubu responded, ‘Let’s not delay this. Let’s act fast,’” Tuggar recalled.
He described the outcome as more than a memorandum of understanding, referring to it as a concrete bilateral aviation commitment that will unlock direct air connectivity between West Africa and South America for the first time in decades.
The broader partnership also includes plans to establish a regional aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria in collaboration with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.
“Embraer will work with us to set up an MRO facility here,” Tuggar said. “It will support aircraft across West and Central Africa.”
Air Peace, which has ordered 35 Embraer jets — including the E195-E2 and E175 models — has so far taken delivery of five, with more expected in phases.
Tuggar said the airline’s growing international footprint aligns with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and foreign policy goals.
Aviation analysts have praised the development, projecting benefits for tourism, trade, and diplomatic engagement between both countries.
“This is not just about policy,” the Minister concluded. “It’s time for execution.”
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