Nigeria and Brazil have strengthened alliance to advance economic development in key sectors such as agriculture, food security infrastructure, clean energy, trade and industry.
The renewed partnership was highlighted during the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum tagged “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor” on Wednesday.
This was part of discussions on the third day of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) held in Abuja.
Speaking at the forum, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria is currently witnessing a silent but resolute transformation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the renewed alliance with Brazil as grounded in intent and rich in potential for mutual growth.
“These are the same areas where Nigeria is making bold moves. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation. Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused,” Shettima stated.
The VP noted that Nigeria’s transformation drive seeks partners who understand the country’s direction and ambition.
“And what drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake. What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us,” he said.
Identifying agriculture as a key area of cooperation, Shettima noted that Nigeria is embarking on a journey similar to Brazil’s agricultural transformation through sustained investment in research, modernization and farmer support.
“Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are taking form. Our farmers are ready to operate at scale. But we know the difference between going alone and going far. Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation, in training and in investment,” he explained.
On clean energy cooperation, the Nigerian Vice President said the country’s energy transition is rooted in controllable resources.
“We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil’s example provides guidance that is real and tested,” Shettima added.
Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through long-term cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.
He described the current moment as “one of the most promising” in Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.
“This is a necessary complement to deepen our relationship. We want this moment to correspond to the production of sustainable partnerships for our people,” Alckmin declared, while acknowledging that despite strong historic and cultural ties, trade volumes between both countries remain below potential.
Alckmin noted Brazil’s readiness to build a commercially successful South-South corridor, stating: “Our trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor.”
The Brazilian Vice President also spoke about the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI), a $1.1bn programme designed to transfer Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria as a model of transformative South-South cooperation.
He revealed that under President Lula’s administration, Brazil has simplified its tax regime and is exploring direct flight routes to Nigeria to facilitate business travel and trade.
“Brazil does not just export products, but solutions and ideas,” Alckmin said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, called for a reset in bilateral trade dynamics, expressing concern over the current $2 billion trade volume, which has declined from $9 billion a decade ago.
“The Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,” she urged.
Oduwole outlined Nigeria’s priority investment sectors to include agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals. She revealed government efforts to streamline investor engagement through a digital portal tracking live project pipelines.
“We are serious about institutional delivery. Our agencies—NEPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI—are working as one team,” she noted.
Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zarah Mustapha, called for state-level reforms in unlocking sub-national investments.
Meanwhile, NIPC’s representative, Mrs Victoria Aigbedion, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to creating an attractive regulatory climate for investors, particularly in mining, infrastructure, creative industries, and logistics.