President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to dismantling all barriers impeding growth in Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is undergoing strategic reforms aimed at ensuring food security, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening agro-industrial exports.
The high-level meeting, which brought together cabinet members from both nations, focused on deepening cooperation in critical areas such as trade, aviation, energy transition, agriculture, mining, and natural resource exploration.
Reforming Agriculture for Economic Growth
President Tinubu highlighted that unnecessary bureaucracy has long hindered the full realization of Nigeria's agricultural potential. He assured the Brazilian delegation that his administration is working to fast-track and simplify all technical agreements to stimulate investment and improve operational efficiency in the sector.
He pointed to Nigeria's natural advantage in agriculture and reiterated that the federal government is determined to unlock the sector’s potential by fostering partnerships and accelerating innovation.
Focus on Livestock and the Blue Economy
On livestock development, President Tinubu outlined key initiatives targeting poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries. He also spotlighted Nigeria’s emerging blue economy, noting it holds vast opportunities for long-term collaboration with Brazil, especially in marine-based food production and aquaculture.
“The subnational governments will continue to play a vital role in advancing food and livestock production, working in synergy with federal efforts to boost job creation and revenue,” President Tinubu stated.
Brazil to Collaborate on R&D and Livestock Improvement
President Lula da Silva expressed strong support for the partnership, assuring that Brazil will regularize existing agreements and sign updated Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during President Tinubu’s next visit.
He also committed Brazil’s renowned research and development institutions to work with Nigeria in livestock improvement, particularly in disease management and the development of new breeds.
Ministers and Governors Back the Vision
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, reinforced the President’s stance on food security, emphasizing that international collaboration will be critical in achieving national objectives. He noted that Nigeria’s comparative advantage in fertiliser production can be scaled up through global cooperation.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, outlined three core focus areas for Nigeria–Brazil collaboration: animal health and disease control, sanitary services, and advanced livestock genetics.
Also present at the meeting were the Governors of Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos States, who pledged to support the federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stated that the inclusion of a business forum during the President’s visit would foster fresh investment and innovation in the sector.
Other high-ranking officials in attendance included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.
This renewed Nigeria-Brazil partnership aims to reposition Nigeria’s agriculture as a global contender while securing long-term food security for its population.
Shared by Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
Date: July 5, 2025
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