Nigeria and Brazil have committed to accelerating the implementation of agreements across key sectors, including agriculture, trade, and energy.
During a bilateral meeting at Copacabana Forte, President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasised the importance of streamlining processes to unlock the full potential of their cooperative partnerships.
He informed the Brazilian delegation that Nigeria is undertaking economic reforms to enhance its global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where the country holds a strategic advantage.
President Tinubu assured that all technical aspects of the agreements between Nigeria and Brazil covering trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resource exploration would be streamlined and expedited.
Presidential spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu praised Brazil’s research and development capabilities, highlighting the country’s position as a leading producer of food and agricultural products.
The President emphasised his administration’s efforts to attract increased investments in fisheries, poultry, and cattle farming. He also pointed out the potential for Nigeria and Brazil to establish long-term partnerships in the blue economy sector.
President Tinubu expressed readiness to forge a strong partnership and take immediate steps to boost food production in Nigeria. He further underscored the critical role of state governments in complementing federal efforts to leverage agriculture as a major source of employment and resource generation.
President Lula assured that all agreements with Nigeria would be formalized, with memorandums of understanding (MOUs) updated and signed promptly during President Tinubu’s next visit.
He also stressed the need to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles between the two countries to achieve rapid outcomes. Brazil’s research and development institutions will collaborate with Nigeria to advance livestock farming.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, reiterated President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to food security, which will be realized through strategic local and international partnerships. He also highlighted Nigeria’s existing competitive edge in fertilizer production, which can be further enhanced.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, identified three key areas for collaboration with Brazil: health and disease management, sanitary services, and research on genetic materials and new breeds.
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Governors from Benue (Hyacinth Alia), Ogun (Prince Dapo Abiodun), Niger (Mohammed Umar Bago), Delta (Sheriff Oborevwori), and Lagos (Babajide Sanwo-Olu) states participated in the bilateral discussions. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed was also in attendance.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State affirmed that subnational governments would back the federal government’s framework to revitalize the agricultural sector. He also welcomed the inclusion of a business forum during President Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, which is expected to generate innovative ideas and resources for the sector’s rapid transformation.
