Nigeria and Brazil on Monday signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting bilateral ties and accelerating Nigeria’s economic development.
The agreements, signed in Brasília and witnessed by President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, cover aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and the Bank of Agriculture.
After the signing, President Tinubu urged Brazilian oil giant Petrobras to resume operations in Nigeria, stressing the country’s vast gas reserves. “We have the largest deposit of gas. I don’t see why Petrobras will not be back in Nigeria very soon,” Tinubu said, noting that its return is key to unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential and stimulating growth.
Tinubu admitted past setbacks had slowed progress but declared a new phase of cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s biggest nation. He described the dialogue as both “emotionally laden and fact-based,” signaling a renewed commitment to overcoming old obstacles.
The Nigerian leader highlighted technology transfer, scientific collaboration, and food security as the backbone of the new alliance.
He also pointed to Brazil’s success in generic drug manufacturing as a model for Nigeria, insisting the country must leverage its pharmaceutical expertise to drive industrial growth.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of strengthening aviation ties between both countries to improve trade and investment opportunities.
He recalled previous visits to Brazil, including engagements on G20 and climate issues, framing the new agreements as part of Nigeria’s broader reform-driven economic renewal.
President da Silva reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to trade, agriculture, and cultural ties with Nigeria, celebrating the planned Lagos–São Paulo direct flight as a “cultural renaissance.”
He also endorsed Nigeria’s G20 membership bid and a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, underscoring its rising global influence.
Da Silva urged joint action on climate change ahead of COP 30, highlighting Africa’s disproportionate climate burden despite low emissions. He further praised Nigeria’s law enforcement cooperation and support for Brazil’s Interpol executive membership, stressing shared global security priorities.
