Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is undergoing systemic transformation, and President Bola Tinubu is determined to move the country to the height it should be occupying.
He made this declaration on Wednesday at the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum, themed: “Roots To Revenue: The Nigeria-Brazil Corridor.”
This is coming just as Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have renewed their strategic alliance to advance economic development in key sectors, including agriculture, food security infrastructure, clean energy, trade, and industry, among others.
The business forum marks day three of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) in Abuja.
VP Shettima said Brazil’s journey, especially the strides in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and industrial development, speaks to ongoing transformation in Nigeria, and reflects “what is possible when technical capacity is matched with national determination.
“These are the same areas where Nigeria is making bold moves. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation. Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused.
“And what drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake. What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us.”
Similar Trip
Underscoring the need for the strategic alliance with Brazil, VP Shettima 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: “Our 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 investment.
“We are equally attentive to your leadership in clean energy. Nigeria’s 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’s example provides guidance that is real and tested.
“We 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.”
Read Also: Nigeria Strengthens Bilateral Relations With Brazil
The Nigerian Vice President further disclosed that Nigeria is encouraged by Brazil’s 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.
“We 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,” he added.
Cooperation
The Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through long-term cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.
Mr. Alckmin described the moment as “one of the most promising” in the history of Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.
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.
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.
Nigeria’s 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.
“The Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,” she urged.
Dr. Oduwole outlined Nigeria’s 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.
Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zarah Mustapha, emphasized state-level reforms as critical to unlocking sub-national investments.
Members of the Brazilian business delegation who spoke at the forum expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria’s investment landscape and long-term investment possibilities.