President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing all hurdles that hinder the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including livestock production, in a bid to achieve food security and position the country as a major exporter.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro, Tinubu emphasized the need to eliminate bureaucratic delays that have historically slowed down progress in Nigeria’s agriculture. The meeting, which took place at Copacabana Forte, included members of both countries’ cabinets.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian president told his Brazilian counterpart that ongoing reforms were aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy for global competitiveness, especially in agriculture, where the country enjoys natural advantages.
He stressed the importance of fast-tracking and simplifying agreements between the two nations, especially in key sectors such as agriculture, aviation, mining, energy transition, and trade. Tinubu also acknowledged Brazil’s global reputation in agricultural research and development, which has made it one of the world’s leading producers of food and agricultural products.
Touching on livestock development, President Tinubu said his administration is investing in poultry, cattle rearing, fisheries, and the blue economy. He added that sub-national governments have a vital role to play in supporting the federal government’s agricultural agenda, particularly in job creation and resource generation.
The Nigerian leader expressed his readiness to strengthen ties with Brazil and called for immediate collaborative action to boost food production.
President Lula, in response, assured Tinubu that all pending agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between both nations would be updated and formalized during the Nigerian president’s next official visit. Lula emphasized the need to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles to ensure timely results and said Brazil’s agricultural institutions were prepared to support Nigeria in enhancing its livestock sector.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reiterated Tinubu’s consistent drive for food security and said this goal would be achieved through both local and international collaborations. He noted that Nigeria already has an edge in fertilizer production, which can be scaled up for greater impact.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined three priority areas for Nigeria-Brazil cooperation: disease control, veterinary and sanitary services, and research in genetics and new livestock breeds.
Several Nigerian governors attended the meeting, including Benue’s Hyacinth Alia, Ogun’s Dapo Abiodun, Niger’s Mohammed Umar Bago, Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, and Lagos’ Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Governor Abiodun expressed the readiness of state governments to support federal initiatives aimed at revitalizing agriculture. He also highlighted the value of the business forum included in Tinubu’s state visit, which he believes will generate innovative ideas and resources to transform the sector.
Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.
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