President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing all bottlenecks impeding the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including livestock production. He emphasized that these efforts aim to ensure national food sovereignty and boost agricultural exports.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Copacabana Forte, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness for a strategic partnership with Brazil to drive agricultural development and economic reform.
According to a statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles had significantly slowed the realisation of Nigeria’s agricultural ambitions. He assured the Brazilian delegation that reforms were already underway to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in sectors where Nigeria enjoys a comparative advantage, such as agriculture.
“All technicalities in bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Brazil will be streamlined and fast-tracked,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying. “This includes cooperation in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resource exploration.”
The Nigerian leader also praised Brazil’s globally recognised achievements in agricultural research and development, describing the country as a model in food production.
On livestock farming, Tinubu outlined his administration’s ongoing initiatives to attract investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries. He also pointed to the growing potential of the blue economy as an area ripe for long-term collaboration with Brazil.
“Nigeria is ready for strong partnerships and immediate actions that will stimulate food production,” he declared, adding that subnational governments play a critical role in complementing federal efforts to make agriculture a major source of employment and economic growth.
President Lula, in response, pledged Brazil’s commitment to updating and regularising all agreements with Nigeria. He assured that Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between both nations would be finalised and signed during President Tinubu’s next visit.
“Lula emphasised the need to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles hindering progress and confirmed that Brazilian research and development institutions would work closely with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming,” the statement added.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reiterated President Tinubu’s unwavering focus on food security, noting that this goal would be pursued through both local and international partnerships. He also highlighted Nigeria’s existing strength in fertiliser production, which could be scaled up with support.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, identified three key areas for collaboration with Brazil: animal health and disease control, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and research on genetic materials and new breeds.
Governors who attended the high-level meeting included Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos). Also in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.
Governor Abiodun expressed the states’ readiness to align with the Federal Government’s strategy for revitalising the agricultural sector. He also welcomed the decision to hold a Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum as part of President Tinubu’s visit, saying it would inject fresh ideas and investment into the sector.
