The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent two-day official visit to Brazil, describing it as a “profoundly strategic step” to transform Nigeria’s economic ties with the Latin American powerhouse.
The trip, which took place from August 24-25 has drawn some criticism, which presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare addressed during a television programme.
Dare highlighted significant parallels between Nigeria and Brazil, noting their similar population sizes and Brazil’s global leadership in mechanised agriculture and renewable energy.
The spokesperson also highlighted Brazil’s large cattle herd as a valuable lesson for Nigeria’s expanding livestock industry.
According to Dare, this third visit by Tinubu to Brazil represents a shift from mere diplomacy to concrete economic and political agreements.
“This visit is critical to opening the economic chapter of our relationship with Brazil,” he said, emphasising that the focus is on converting historical and cultural ties into practical investments that will boost Nigeria’s growth and global standing.
Dare also mentioned the recent launch of 10,000 tractors and over 25,000 farm implements in Abuja as a tangible outcome of the administration’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
Dare stated that the agreement, which had been dormant for six years, has been reactivated under President Tinubu’s administration.
He projected that the GIP, which involves introducing 10,000 tractors and 50,000 farm implements to be assembled in Nigeria, has the potential to create at least 100,000 direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs.
Additionally, Dare spoke of an upcoming agreement for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, which would reduce travel time and facilitate increased tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
In a separate interview, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was part of the delegation, also underscored the expected benefits from the visit.
He said discussions would cover key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, aviation, and industrial investment.
Sani highlighted Kaduna’s leading role in agriculture, noting that the sector contributes significantly to the state’s GDP and employment.
Also see: Tinubu Arrives in Brazil to Deepen Bilateral Relations
He also praised Tinubu for stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence by clearing a $7 billion forex backlog. Sani expressed optimism that the visit would result in agreements that would benefit both countries.
A key point of discussion during the visit was the revitalisation of the Green Imperative Partnership (GIP), a $1.1 billion agreement between Nigeria and Brazil.
Sani also acknowledged the need for a cultural shift in Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly moving from nomadic herding to ranching, and mentioned that Kaduna State is actively engaging with Brazilian partners in this area.
The visit, which included key ministers and senior officials, is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering cooperation and supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development.
