Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, February 18, underscored the nation’s agricultural potential on the global stage by fostering a multi-sectoral partnership with the Federative Republic of Brazil.
During a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Tinubu highlighted the need for comprehensive strengthening of bilateral ties across various sectors, as stated by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, both leaders engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at comprehensively strengthening bilateral ties across various fields.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential and influence during the meeting, emphasizing the country’s strides forward despite encountering short-term reform challenges.
He underscored his administration’s commitment to removing barriers to business and investing in vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. These efforts aim to safeguard the welfare of all Nigerian citizens and foster sustainable economic prosperity for future generations.
“We have a vibrant population of young Nigerians who are trainable and dependable, and they should be empowered,” President Tinubu expressed.
The economic potential of Nigeria is immense, and we are prepared to dismantle all obstacles hindering our progress.
“We are committed to combating corruption at all levels and investing in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and more. I am proud to lead one of the most dedicated teams in agriculture.”
President Lula da Silva underscored the historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil, likening their wealth of natural and human resources.
He lamented the decline in trade volume from over $10 billion to $1.6 billion and expressed his determination to bolster bilateral relations.
“I am committed to revitalizing our strong ties with Nigeria,” he affirmed. It’s inconceivable that two countries with populations of 216 million and 213 million respectively do not have strong relations.”
“Mr. President, I am 78 years old. You are 71. What keeps me energetic is that I fight for a cause. The cause of my nation and people. A great cause is the elixir of sustained vitality for experienced leaders.
Nigeria and Brazil need stronger relations from the academic viewpoint; from the cultural viewpoint; from the commercial viewpoint; from the agricultural viewpoint; from the industrial relations viewpoint, and from trade relations viewpoint.
“It is meaningless that there are no direct flights from Lagos to Sao Paulo and vice versa. I can not understand that. We have to sit at a table and find a solution for that. In aviation, there are many areas of potential collaboration with our manufacturers who seek to have a greater presence in Africa.
“I only have three more years left of my term, Your Excellency, to do everything I have not done yet. The time is very short. I am in a hurry to make my contributions to improve these relations with Nigeria. To make this happen, we have to put our ministers to work,” he declared.
Responding, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen its relationship with Brazil, emphasizing the potential for collaboration to positively impact the lives of millions of citizens. He described the partnership as a “legacy of shared efforts to shape a better future for both countries.”
“We are relentless in our efforts to eliminate all barriers to business. Bureaucratic hurdles are being dismantled at every turn. We are committed to unleashing the vast potential of our nation. Corruption is being tackled head-on, from the highest levels to the grassroots. We will not tolerate it, and we will take decisive action to root it out.”
“We are very aware of your progressive legacies of social security provision, infrastructure, and reforms in Petrobras. We are in the process of implementing similar reforms in the NNPCL. We are focusing on investment in new production and new energy sources. We are investing in research, and we are removing obstacles to further partnerships in all areas of operation. There is opportunity for both companies in partnership,” the president said.
President Tinubu underscored solid mineral exploration, agriculture, education, and healthcare as immediate priorities, emphasizing the strong commitment of both leaders to collaborate in these areas.
“I agree that our countries must now have direct air links. I will form a committee of cabinet members who will work directly with your cabinet ministers, and they will urgently form a joint plan of action for the benefit of our two great countries. We may have missed opportunities in the past, but we now look ahead.
“Brazil and Nigeria share similarities. Let us forget old mistakes. The phenomenal growth achieved by Brazil in agriculture is exemplary. We will work with you to mechanize our food production systems to enhance quality and quantity of output. I will work with you to re-energize Nigeria’s relations with Brazil across the board,” the president said.
The leaders of Africa’s largest democracy and South America’s largest democracy agreed to finalize plans for a state visit to Brazil by President Tinubu. President Lula da Silva extended the invitation, which President Tinubu warmly accepted.