State visit in Brasília results in major agreements to strengthen food security and trade ties
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Brasília, Brazil | August 25, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Brasília on Monday to begin a landmark state visit, with agriculture, food security, and trade topping the agenda.
At the Planalto Palace, President Tinubu held talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, followed by expanded bilateral meetings attended by senior officials from both countries. The leaders later addressed a joint press conference after witnessing a series of agreements that further consolidate Nigeria–Brazil relations.
“These agreements are not just paper commitments — they represent jobs, growth, and a more secure future for Nigerians,” Tinubu told reporters, emphasizing that Brazil is a key partner in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
Central to the cooperation is a $2.5 billion JBS investment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security and creating sustainable supply chains. Tinubu also highlighted progress on the Green Imperative Programme (GIP) — a $1.1 billion mechanisation project designed to deliver 10,000 tractors and 50,000 farm implements for local assembly in Nigeria.
President Lula welcomed the strengthened partnership, noting Brazil’s shared commitment to inclusive growth. “Nigeria and Brazil are bound by history and by opportunity. Together, we can expand cooperation in food security, energy, and trade for the prosperity of our peoples,” he said.
The visit builds on the Second Session of the Nigeria–Brazil Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue, held in Abuja from June 23–25, 2025, where both countries signed seven MoUs covering defence, energy, tourism, livestock development, and counternarcotics cooperation.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signed the official statement announcing the visit.
