Nigeria is experiencing a notable transformation under President Bola Tinubu, as highlighted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum. The renewed partnership with Brazil is aimed at fostering mutual growth across various sectors like agriculture and energy. Leaders from both nations emphasized the need to strengthen trade relations, address declining trade volumes, and move from ideas to practical collaborations.
Nigeria is reportedly experiencing a significant transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, according to Vice-President Kashim Shettima. He made these remarks during the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum in Abuja, emphasizing the strong potential for mutual growth stemming from the renewed partnership with Brazil. Shettima highlighted that Brazil’s advancements in various sectors, such as agriculture and energy, serve as a model for Nigeria’s ongoing changes.
“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation,” Shettima stated. He described how markets are being modernized and institutions rebuilt, all driven by genuine intent for change rather than reform for the sake of reform. As he put it, “What drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake.”
The Vice-President pointed out that Nigeria is not just looking for a partner, but one who can appreciate its ambitions. He noted, “We seek partners who see our direction, respect our ambition, and are prepared to walk the path with us.” In this context, he stressed the importance of aligning with Brazil as both nations embark on similar development journeys.
Furthermore, Shettima mentioned the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in Nigeria, expressing confidence that these could lead to significant agricultural advancements. He added, “Our farmers are ready to operate at scale.” He went on to say that Brazil should collaborate with Nigeria as a partner in areas like innovation and investment, rather than solely as a donor.
The topic of energy transition was also raised, and Shettima shared Nigeria’s strategy to utilize its gas reserves while pushing towards renewable energy sources. He expressed eagerness to learn from Brazil’s experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs and expands access to rural areas. “We are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice…” he remarked, urging for practical engagement between the nations.
Brazil’s Vice-President, Geraldo Alckmin, reciprocated the sentiments, confirming Brazil’s commitment to enhancing its relationship with Nigeria through long-term cooperation. He optimistically referred to this partnership as “one of the most promising” in their shared history, citing key sectors like agriculture and energy as ripe for collaboration. However, he also pointed out that trade between the two countries remains underwhelming compared to existing potential. “Our trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously,” Alckmin noted.
Alckmin spotlighted the Green Imperative Initiative, which seeks to implement Brazilian agricultural technology in Nigeria, describing it as a significant example of cooperative efforts. He added Brazil’s intent to simplify its tax regulations to create more favorable conditions for trade and business relations. Plans for a future direct flight route from Brazil to Nigeria to boost trade momentum were also on the table.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, echoed the urgency of revitalizing bilateral trade. She lamented that trade volumes had decreased from $9 billion to a mere $2 billion over the past decade. “The Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable,” she firmly stated, advocating for actionable outcomes from discussions between the countries.
The discussions at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum underline the crucial partnership between Nigeria and Brazil, focusing on shared ambitions in agriculture, energy, and economic growth. Both countries are enthusiastic about strengthening mutual ties and creating practical collaborations that align with their developmental goals. This emerging relationship hopes to reverse declining trade volumes and establish more robust, sustainable partnerships that can benefit both nations well into the future.
Original Source: punchng.com
