Keyamo Says Nigeria-Brazil New Link Will Strengthen Trade, Partnership

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said Nigeria-Brazil new route will significantly improve connectivity for travellers and enhance trade and partnerships between the two countries.

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Shortly after the test flight of Air Peace from Brazil touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,on August 28th, 2025, Keyamo described the recently signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries as a landmark development that will bring extensive economic benefits. He noted that travellers from across Central and West Africa would now be able to connect Brazil through Nigeria, positioning the country as a regional hub.

According to Keyamo, the existing issue of connectivity, which has lasted for nearly a decade, was settled within a short period of time.

He noted that a journey which previously took nearly 20 hours through Europe or the Middle East will now be shortened with direct flights operated by Air Peace, which deployed a Boeing 777 to kick off the test flight. He also disclosed that Air Peace has ordered 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, further deepening trade and aviation ties between both nations.

According to him, with this flight, relations will begin to rise again as connectivity is at the heart of every agreement that was signed.He added that the connectivity is not only about trade and investment, but also about cultural and social connections between two parts of the world.

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He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister was was accompanied by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, Former Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyem, among other government officials.

“With this arrangement, relations will pick up again. The most critical aspect of all the agreements we signed is connectivity between both countries. What you are witnessing today is the first tangible fulfilment of that agreement , the maiden flight between Brazil and Nigeria. This is not just an audio agreement; you are seeing it live.Now, all we did was to cross the Atlantic directly.

“From Brazil, you can connect to any part of South America and even the Caribbean. Before now, there was no direct link from Central and West Africa to Brazil. With this, the entire sub-region can now connect through Nigeria, boosting our economy significantly.

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“This is just the beginning. Nigeria is ready to ramp up capacity and make the most of this historic connection.”

Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, commended President Tinubu and the ministers for their leadership.He said the partnership with Brazil will earn Nigeria numerous trade and business opportunities.

“The President has opened the door of the future for Nigeria. Instead of committing two days to travel to Brazil, we now have direct access to South America’s largest economy , just as Nigeria leads in Africa. We need each other, and this partnership will bring immense opportunities.”