By Per Second News
To achieve food sovereignty and expand Nigeria鈥檚 presence in global agricultural exports, President Bola Tinubu says his administration is strategically focused on removing all impediments to the nation鈥檚 agricultural potential, with a particular emphasis on livestock production.
鈥嶵he president made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
鈥嶢 statement by Presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, sent to Persecondnews, said excessive bureaucracy had delayed progress in agriculture, adding that Nigeria was undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.
鈥嶩e highlighted agriculture as a key area where Nigeria holds a natural competitive advantage that can be unlocked through smart partnerships.
鈥嶵inubu assured Brazil that all technical bottlenecks in bilateral agreements would be removed to fast-track trade, energy, mining, and agricultural cooperation.
鈥庘橝ll technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration,鈥 Tinubu said.
鈥嶩e lauded Brazil鈥檚 agricultural research leadership, calling the South American giant a model in food production and export.
鈥嶰n livestock, Tinubu said Nigeria is scaling up investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to boost food supply and job creation.
鈥嶩e added that Nigeria鈥檚 blue economy offered strong potential for long-term collaboration with Brazil in marine and aquatic resources.
鈥嶵he president called for immediate action, stating that both federal and state governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide.
鈥嶩e emphasized that state governments play a crucial role in transforming agriculture into a significant source of employment and national revenue.
鈥嶪n his remarks, Da Silva echoed Tinubu鈥檚 urgency, promising to regularise and update all agreements when Tinubu visits Brazil again.
鈥嶩e called for the removal of bureaucracy and promised Brazil鈥檚 institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems.
鈥嶴en. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, reaffirmed Tinubu鈥檚 commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.
鈥嶬yari pointed to Nigeria鈥檚 edge in fertiliser production as a ready-made asset for agricultural growth.
Also, Mr. 鈥嶪di Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, identified three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation 鈥 animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.
The Nigeria-Brazil business forum is set to bring fresh ideas and investments into the agricultural sector, according to Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun, who is part of the presidential delegation.
Governors from Benue, Niger, Delta, and Lagos States also attended the forum, underscoring the importance of sub-national collaboration.
鈥嶢mb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), also participated in the bilateral meeting.