Tinubu Vows to Unlock Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential, Strengthen Ties with Brazil

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating obstacles hindering Nigeria’s agricultural development, particularly in livestock production, as part of broader efforts to achieve food sovereignty and boost global exports.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday at Copacabana Forte in Brazil, Tinubu emphasized the need to cut through excessive bureaucracy that has long delayed progress in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The meeting’s highlights were shared in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Bayo Onanuga.

“Agriculture is one of Nigeria’s strongest natural advantages. Through strategic partnerships, we can fully unlock its potential,” Tinubu stated. He added that reforms are underway to make Nigeria’s agricultural sector more competitive on the global stage.

Tinubu pledged to streamline all technical aspects of bilateral agreements with Brazil, aiming to fast-track collaboration in trade, energy, mining, aviation, and agricultural development.

He praised Brazil’s leadership in agricultural research and food exports, describing the country as a global model. He also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to improve food security and create jobs.

The president pointed to Nigeria’s blue economy as a promising area for long-term collaboration with Brazil, particularly in marine and aquatic resources.

Calling for urgent action, Tinubu stressed that both federal and state governments must work together to ramp up food production across the country. “States have a crucial role to play in transforming agriculture into a major driver of employment and revenue,” he said.

President da Silva echoed Tinubu’s sense of urgency and pledged to modernize all bilateral agreements ahead of Tinubu’s next visit to Brazil. He also promised to cut red tape and ensure Brazilian institutions work closely with Nigeria to strengthen livestock farming systems.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, reiterated the government’s focus on food security through international and domestic partnerships, noting Nigeria’s strength in fertilizer production as a strategic advantage.

Meanwhile, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, outlined three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation: animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.