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By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Brasília early Monday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening Nigeria-Brazil relations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the presidential aircraft, Nigerian Air Force One (NAF-001), nicknamed “Eagle One,” touched down at Brasília International Airport around 12:30 a.m. local time, 4. 30 a.m. (Nigerian time).
Tinubu was received by Carlos Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos José Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria and top Nigerian government officials including
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The President then proceeded directly to his hotel where he will be based during the visit.
At his hotel, he was received by Speaker of House of Representative, Tajudeen Abass, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang.
Others present are:Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji were also present, among others.
NAN reports that the Nigerian leader is scheduled to meet with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other senior Brazilian officials on Monday at the
Planalto Palace.
The leaders will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference afterwards.
As part of his engagements, President Tinubu will meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
He will also participate in the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum as part of a packed programme in Brasília on Monday.
President Tinubu’s agenda will focus on boosting cooperation in aviation, agribusiness, livestock, security, trade, and cultural exchange with the Latin America’s largest economy.
Key discussions will also explore partnerships in agriculture, energy transition, regional security and areas of mutual strategic interest.
A major highlight will be the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
Breakout sessions and sideline meetings involving Nigerian ministries will complement the high-level talks.
NAN recalls that President Tinubu led Nigeria’s delegation to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July and, on President Lula’s invitation, attended the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024.
Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his wife, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, visited Abuja for the Second Session of the Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue in June.
Nigeria and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2013 to establish the Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue to foster cooperation in agriculture, trade, defence, energy, education, power, petroleum, and mining.
The Dialogue is co-chaired by the Vice Presidents of both countries and alternates annually.
The Second Session of the Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue occurred in Abuja in June. This resulted in the signing of seven MoUs, including agreements on the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism Cooperation Renewal, Defence Cooperation, Energy, Tourism, Audio-Visual Co-Production, Livestock Development, and Counternarcotics.
Brazil is a key partner in Nigeria’s food security programme. The $2.5 billion JBS investment to strengthen food security and develop sustainable supply chains was signed in Brazil during President Tinubu’s participation at the 2024 G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The project aims to boost local production and create job opportunities for Nigerian youth.
The Green Imperative Programme (GIP), a $1.1 billion agricultural mechanisation project launched in 2019, is also on course. It aims to supply 10,000 tractors and 50,000 units of farm equipment for assembly in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
Published By
- Senior Editor