By Interface Africa Newsroom | July 6, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil have forged a strategic alliance focused on boosting agriculture, livestock production, trade, and food security. The bilateral meeting, held at the iconic Copacabana Forte in Rio de Janeiro during the 17th BRICS Summit, marks a bold step toward Nigeria’s food sovereignty and global economic competitiveness.
✅ Tinubu’s Bold Promise: No More Bureaucratic Bottlenecks in Nigerian Agriculture
Speaking at the high-level session, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to remove all obstacles stifling Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly those affecting livestock farming, fisheries, and crop production.
“We are dismantling the bureaucratic hurdles that slow down food production and export. Nigeria must rise to become a net food exporter and a leader in agricultural development across Africa. Our reforms will make our economy globally competitive. We are ready for strong partnerships and immediate action,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted key areas for Nigeria-Brazil collaboration, including:
- Trade and agricultural mechanization
- Aviation and energy transition
- Mining and natural resource development
- Livestock, poultry, and fisheries investments
Tinubu praised Brazil as a global model in agricultural research and mechanization, stressing Nigeria’s eagerness to learn and partner.
🌱 Livestock Development, Blue Economy, and Fertilizer as Growth Drivers
The President outlined his administration’s drive to unlock investment in poultry, cattle rearing, fisheries, and blue economy ventures, creating jobs and stimulating sustainable growth. Tinubu emphasized that state governments have a crucial role in supporting federal initiatives to fully harness Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
President Lula pledged Brazil’s full support, assuring that all agreements with Nigeria will be updated and signed during Tinubu’s next state visit. He committed Brazil’s renowned research institutions to work with Nigeria on livestock genetics, disease control, and sanitary standards.
🤝 Nigeria’s Governors and Ministers Unite Behind Tinubu’s Agricultural Reforms
The bilateral talks drew support from prominent Nigerian leaders, including:
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
- Governor Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
- Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
- Governor Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State)
- Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
Governor Abiodun stressed that the inclusion of a Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum would fast-track investments and innovation in the sector.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, reaffirmed that food security remains at the core of Tinubu’s national strategy, leveraging Nigeria’s existing strengths such as fertilizer production.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, pinpointed key partnership areas:
- Health and disease management in livestock
- Improved sanitary services
- Research into genetic materials and new breeds
🌾 Nigeria-Brazil Pact: A New Era for Food Security, Jobs, and Trade
This Nigeria-Brazil agricultural partnership is widely seen by analysts as a major pillar of Tinubu’s reform agenda to transform Nigeria into a regional agricultural powerhouse. The collaboration promises job creation, increased food production, and expanded export capacity, positioning Nigeria as a major player in global agribusiness.
As the world watches, President Tinubu’s next visit to Brazil could cement agreements that reshape Nigeria’s food systems, lift millions out of poverty, and drive sustainable economic growth.
🔗 For more on this and other top stories shaping Africa’s future, visit:
