Nigeria, Brazil consider direct flights for stronger economic ties

Nigeria, Brazil consider direct flights for stronger economic ties

Nigeria and Brazil are working to establish direct flights between their major cities, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and bilateral relations. The initiative was announced by Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin during the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum in Abuja, part of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM).

Alckmin emphasized the importance of the new air route as a strategic link between South America and Africa, addressing the lack of direct connectivity that has hindered deeper engagement. Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima endorsed the plan, highlighting Nigeria's ongoing aviation reforms and ambition to become West Africa's logistics hub under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Trade between the two countries has fallen significantly, from $9 billion to $2 billion in the past decade. Nigeria’s Trade Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the proposed route would help reverse this decline, especially in sectors like agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and the creative industries.

Aviation experts praised the move as crucial for enhancing underdeveloped Africa–Latin America air links. Meanwhile, as part of cultural diplomacy efforts, the wives of both vice presidents, Nana Shettima and Maria Lucia Alckmin, toured notable art landmarks in Abuja, symbolizing growing people-to-people and cultural ties.

The Guardian,  26 Jun 2025