***Seeks deeper ties with Brazil to unlock Nigeria’s agri-potential
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to dismantle all bureaucratic obstacles hindering Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock development, declaring his administration’s commitment to achieving food sovereignty and expanding agro-exports.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva at Copacabana Forte in Brazil, Tinubu emphasized the need for streamlined agreements across sectors such as agriculture, energy, aviation, mining, and trade. He highlighted that Nigeria is undergoing major reforms to improve its global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it holds a natural advantage.
“We are ready for immediate action to stimulate food production. Bureaucracy must not stand in the way of our shared progress,” Tinubu said.
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga in a statement quoted the President to have also spotlighted livestock investments and the blue economy as key areas for long-term Nigeria–Brazil collaboration. He called on subnational governments to play a complementary role in scaling up food and animal production to generate employment and boost resource mobilisation.
In response, President Lula assured of Brazil’s readiness to fast-track agreements and support Nigeria through research collaboration in livestock health, genetics, and disease control. He promised that outstanding MOUs would be finalised during President Tinubu’s next visit.
Nigeria’s Ministers of Agriculture and Livestock, Senators Abubakar Kyari and Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the President’s food security drive, pointing to fertiliser production and veterinary partnerships as low-hanging fruits for cooperation.
Also present at the meeting were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Mohammed Bago (Niger), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), who all pledged subnational support. Governor Abiodun praised the inclusion of a business forum as a smart move to inject private sector energy into the renewed agricultural drive.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and NIA DG Mohammed Mohammed also attended the high-level engagement.