NIGERIA, BRAZIL SEAL NEW DEALS AS AIR PEACE LAUNCHES LAGOS–SAO PAULO FLIGHT
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
President Bola Tinubu has secured fresh partnerships with Brazil, marking a new phase in trade, energy, and aviation ties between the two countries.
Speaking in Brasília during his state visit, Tinubu welcomed Petrobras’ return to Nigeria, five years after the oil giant left. He said the move would deepen cooperation in the energy sector, urging faster investment in gas and oil.
Nigeria and Brazil signed five new MoUs covering trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance. A key highlight was the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for Air Peace to operate direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo, boosting connectivity and trade.
Tinubu also stressed the need for collaboration in technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. He assured investors that Nigeria’s economic reforms were stabilising the market and creating new opportunities.
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva hailed the renewed ties, emphasising cooperation in agriculture, oil and gas, machinery, and aviation. He said direct flights and joint projects would strengthen people-to-people relations and drive growth.
Both leaders agreed Africa is the “new frontier” for investment, with Nigeria positioned as a gateway for Brazilian companies.