Brasilia, July 7, 2025 – President Bola Tinubu says the federal government will remove all bottlenecks hindering the realisation of Nigeria’s potential in agriculture.
He said this would facilitate food sovereignty, food export and livestock production.
Tinubu made the promise during a bilateral meeting held at the Copacabana Forte with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and some members of both countries’ cabinets.
He said Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.
Tinubu said all technicalities in agreements between the two countries in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration would be streamlined and fast-tracked.
He said Brazil’s research and development services had been exemplary for most countries, with the country rated as one of the highest producers of food and agricultural products.
On livestock farming, Tinubu highlighted the efforts of his administration to boost investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, adding that the blue economy also holds potential for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil.
He said Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production.
The president said the subnationals had a pivotal role in food and animal production in Nigeria by complementing the federal government’s efforts to use agriculture as a significant source of employment and resource mobilisation.
Responding, President Lula assured that all agreements with Nigeria would be regularised, and the MOUs would be updated and signed without delay during President Tinubu’s next visit.
Da Silva said the lingering bureaucracy between the two countries must be removed to achieve quick results and promised that Brazil’s research and development institutions will collaborate with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, said the president had consistently insisted on food security for Nigeria, and the mandate would be actualised through local and global partnerships.
Kyari said Nigeria already had a competitive advantage in fertiliser production that could easily be enhanced.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted three areas of partnership with Brazil, including health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.
The governors of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia; Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the bilateral meeting.
