By Reportcircle-Abuja
Nigeria and Brazil on Tuesday deepened their six-decade diplomatic ties with the signing of multiple bilateral agreements covering trade, agriculture, aviation, security, and climate action, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a historic State Visit to Brazil.
Tinubu met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília, where both leaders hailed the “longstanding friendship” between their nations and outlined new avenues of cooperation aimed at boosting economic growth and strengthening South-South solidarity.
In a joint press statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday informed that the visit marks a milestone in Nigeria–Brazil relations, which were formally established in 1961.
Both leaders noted that high-level contacts have intensified since 2024, including meetings at the African Union, G20, and BRICS Summits, as well as ministerial and vice-presidential exchanges earlier this year.
Among the agreements signed in Brasília were:
Bilateral Air Services Agreement, paving the way for direct flights and stronger trade and tourism links.
MoUs on Political Consultations, Diplomatic Training, and Science & Technology Cooperation.
Trade and Investment MoUs, including partnerships between the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and Brazil’s ApexBrasil, and between Nigeria’s SMEDAN and Brazil’s SEBRAE.
Both sides also agreed to fast-track a Cooperation and Facilitation Investment Agreement (CFIA).
Agriculture dominated the discussions, with commitments to expand cooperation on sugarcane, cotton, and livestock development.
Brazil confirmed it will conduct a Pest Risk Analysis to allow imports of Nigerian sesame and hibiscus, while Nigeria pledged approvals to enable Brazil to export apples, beef, and poultry genetics.
The leaders also endorsed the Green Imperative Program (GIP) and highlighted fertilizer as a strategic area, with Brazil already the largest buyer of Nigerian urea.
On security, the Presidents pledged closer cooperation against transnational crime.
Following a 2024 MoU between Brazil’s Federal Police and Nigeria’s NDLEA, a Brazilian Federal Police Liaison Office will open in Abuja before the end of 2025.
Negotiations will also begin on a new pact to combat human trafficking.
Both countries also reaffirmed joint efforts to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, citing recent multinational exercises such as Obangame Express and Grand African Nemo.
Tinubu and Lula emphasized climate change as a shared priority ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, later this year.
They endorsed the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), aimed at mobilizing long-term financing for forest conservation.
The leaders also called for urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council and the World Trade Organization, insisting on greater representation for Africa and Latin America.
They reiterated their opposition to unilateral sanctions and stressed the need to protect multilateralism.
The meeting reinforced Nigeria’s role as a new BRICS partner country, with both Presidents stressing the importance of Global South cooperation in shaping a fairer world order.
In closing, Tinubu and Lula reaffirmed their countries’ shared vision of a just and sustainable global system, underpinned by stronger economic ties and mutual respect.
“Brazil and Nigeria are natural partners not just in trade and investment, but in shaping a future that values peace, equality, and prosperity for all,” the joint communiqué declared.
