President Bola Tinubu on Saturday assured his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, that Nigeria is taking major steps to remove all challenges slowing down the growth of the country’s agriculture sector, especially the delays caused by bureaucracy.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with President Lula at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil, Tinubu said these efforts are focused on improving food security and boosting Nigeria’s ability to export livestock and other agricultural products. The meeting was attended by officials from both countries, including governors, ministers, and key cabinet members.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu shared Nigeria’s reform plans with the Brazilian leader. The statement, titled “We’re Removing All Bottlenecks To Improve Food And Agric Production In Nigeria, Says President Tinubu To Brazilian Leader”, noted that Nigeria is being reshaped to become more competitive in the global market, with agriculture playing a central role.
“The President informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.”
Tinubu also said that ongoing agreements between the two countries will be simplified and fast-tracked. These agreements cover trade, aviation, energy transition, food production, agriculture, mining, and natural resources.
He pointed out that Brazil has a strong record in research and development, which has helped the country become one of the top producers of food and agricultural goods in the world.
“On livestock farming, Tinubu highlighted the efforts of his administration to boost investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, adding that the blue economy also holds potential for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil. He argued that Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production.”
He further noted that state governments across Nigeria play a key role in boosting food and livestock production and that their support is essential to achieving nationwide progress. President Lula said that Brazil would update and sign all agreements with Nigeria during Tinubu’s next visit, promising to remove any bureaucracy delaying cooperation.
“He noted that the lingering bureaucracy between the two countries must be removed to achieve quick results, adding that Brazil’s research and development institutions will collaborate with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming.”
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, also spoke at the event, noting Tinubu’s firm push for food security through both local and international partnerships. He added that Nigeria already has an advantage in fertiliser production, which can be further improved.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, mentioned that the partnership with Brazil would cover three key areas: disease control, sanitary services, and research into improved breeds and genetic materials.
Also present at the meeting were the governors of Lagos, Benue, Ogun, Niger, and Delta states. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the states will work alongside the federal government to revive Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Abiodun noted that both leaders’ decision to include a business forum during President Tinubu’s state visit to the country will inject fresh ideas and resources, enabling quick results in turning around Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Others who attended the meeting included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
