Tinubu announces efforts in Brazil to eliminate obstacles hindering food production in Nigeria.

The president told the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria is currently implementing reforms aimed at revitalizing its economy

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate all obstacles impeding the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including livestock development, as part of a broader strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency and boost agricultural exports.

During a bilateral meeting at Copacabana Forte with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and members of both nations’ cabinets, Tinubu emphasized that excessive bureaucracy has been a key factor delaying the sector’s progress.

He further informed the Brazilian delegation that Nigeria is actively pursuing economic reforms aimed at enhancing global competitiveness—particularly in agriculture, a field where the country already holds significant potential.

President Tinubu affirmed that all procedural hurdles in bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Brazil will be simplified and expedited across key sectors such as trade, aviation, energy transition, agriculture, food security, mining, and natural resource development.

He also praised Brazil’s leadership in research and development, noting its global recognition as one of the top producers of food and agricultural commodities.

Speaking on livestock development, President Tinubu outlined his administration’s push to attract greater investment in poultry, cattle farming, and fisheries, emphasizing that Nigeria’s emerging blue economy offers promising opportunities for long-term collaboration with Brazil.

He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to forge a robust partnership and take swift action to boost food production.

Tinubu also noted that state governments play a crucial role in advancing agricultural and livestock initiatives, complementing federal efforts to position the sector as a major driver of employment and economic growth.

President Lula pledged that all bilateral agreements with Nigeria would be formalized, with updated Memorandums of Understanding ready for signing during President Tinubu’s upcoming visit.

He emphasized the need to eliminate bureaucratic delays between the two nations to accelerate progress, adding that Brazil’s research and development institutions are prepared to collaborate with Nigeria to strengthen its livestock sector.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, affirmed that President Tinubu has remained firmly committed to achieving food security, a goal that will be realized through both domestic initiatives and international cooperation.

Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari pointed out that Nigeria already holds a strategic edge in fertilizer production, which can be further developed to strengthen the agricultural sector.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined three key areas for collaboration with Brazil: animal health and disease control, veterinary and sanitary services, and research on genetic improvement and new livestock breeds.

The bilateral meeting was attended by several Nigerian state governors, including Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun affirmed that sub-national governments would actively support the federal strategy to transform agriculture. He also welcomed the inclusion of a business forum during President Tinubu’s state visit, noting that the platform would help spark innovation and attract investment to accelerate progress in Nigeria’s agricultural development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and National Intelligence Agency Director General Mohammed Mohammed were also present at the high-level bilateral discussions.