Nigeria, Brazil rejig strategic alliance to boost trade, clean energy, agric, others at business forum
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria is currently witnessing a silent but resolute transformation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This is coming just as Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have tweaked their strategic alliance to advance economic development in key sectors, including agriculture, food security infrastructure, clean energy, trade and industry, among others.
Shettima who spoke yesterday, during the Nigeria鈥揃razil Business Forum tagged, 鈥淩oots to Revenue: The Nigeria鈥揃razil Corridor,鈥 on day three of the Nigeria鈥揃razil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), in Abuja, said the renewed strategic alliance with Brazil was grounded in intent, and rich in the potential for mutual growth.
According to him, Brazil鈥檚 journey, especially the strides in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and industrial development, speaks to ongoing transformation in Nigeria, and reflects 鈥渨hat is possible when technical capacity is matched with national determination.
鈥淭hese are the same areas where Nigeria is making bold moves. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation. Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused.
鈥淎nd what drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform鈥檚 sake. What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us,鈥 he stated.
Underscoring the need for the strategic alliance with Brazil, the Vice President noted that Nigeria is embarking on a journey similar to that of the South American country, particularly in agriculture, as well as the transformation through sustained investment in research, modernisation and support for farmers.
His words: 鈥淥ur 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.
鈥淲e are equally attentive to your leadership in clean energy. Nigeria鈥檚 energy transition is rooted in what we can control. We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil鈥檚 example provides guidance that is real and tested.
鈥淲e are eager to learn from your experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs, supports industries and expands access to rural communities. Our teams are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice, from ideas to infrastructure.鈥
Shettima further disclosed that Nigeria is encouraged by Brazil鈥檚 interest in skills development and human capital, saying it aligns perfectly with one of the most pressing national goals, which is to ensure that the youthful country is prepared for future demands.
鈥淲e welcome the opportunity for institutional partnerships that promote training, research and the exchange of knowledge in sectors where Brazil has built strength, and in areas where Nigeria is gaining ground,鈥 he added.
Earlier, Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil鈥檚 commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through long-term cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.
Alckmin described the moment as 鈥渙ne of the most promising鈥 in the history of Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.
鈥淭his is a necessary complement to deepen our relationship. We want this moment to correspond to the production of sustainable partnerships for our people,鈥 he declared.
Highlighting the potential in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, innovation, and energy, Alckmin acknowledged that despite the strong historic and cultural ties, trade volumes between both countries are still much lower than the potential.
鈥淥ur trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor鈥.
He also spoke on the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI), a $1.1 billion programme to transfer Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria, as a model of transformative South-South cooperation.
鈥淏razil does not just export products, but solutions and ideas,鈥 Alckmin said, adding that under President Lula鈥檚 administration, Brazil has simplified its tax regime and is exploring a direct flight route to Nigeria to ease business travel and trade.
On Nigeria鈥檚 side, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, called for a reset in the bilateral trade dynamic, lamenting the current $2 billion trade volume, down from $9 billion a decade ago.
鈥淭he Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,鈥 she urged.
Oduwole outlined Nigeria鈥檚 priority sectors for investment, including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals. She also revealed efforts by the Nigerian government to streamline investor engagement through a digital portal tracking live project pipelines.
鈥淲e are serious about institutional delivery. Our agencies鈥擭EPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI鈥攁re working as one team,鈥 she noted.
Also speaking, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zarah Mustapha, emphasised state-level reforms as critical to unlocking sub-national investments.
At the same time, NIPC鈥檚 representative, Mrs Victoria Aigbedion, reiterated Nigeria鈥檚 commitment to creating a regulatory climate attractive to investors, especially in mining, infrastructure, creative industries, and logistics.
Members of the Brazilian business delegation who also spoke at the forum expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria鈥檚 investment landscape and long-term investment possibilities.