Tinubu, Lula da Silva Pledge Partnership to Boost Nigeria’s Agriculture and Livestock Sectors
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to eliminate all bureaucratic and technical bottlenecks hampering Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock production, as part of a broader push to achieve food sovereignty and expand export capacity.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Copacabana Forte, President Tinubu said Nigeria would fast-track agreements with Brazil across several key sectors, including trade, aviation, energy transition, agriculture, mining, and natural resource exploration.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that unlocking the country’s food production potential is a top priority, adding that subnational governments must play a central role in driving agricultural growth and job creation.
“We are ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production,” President Tinubu said. “Subnational governments in Nigeria have a pivotal role to play in complementing federal efforts to position agriculture as a major source of employment and revenue.”
President Tinubu also noted that bureaucratic delays had stalled progress for too long and must be urgently addressed.
He praised Brazil’s global standing in agricultural research and development, describing the South American nation as a model in food production.
The Nigerian delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Ahmed.
Responding, President Lula da Silva pledged to ensure that all pending agreements between Nigeria and Brazil would be reviewed, updated, and signed during Tinubu’s next visit. He echoed Tinubu’s stance on cutting red tape, stating that both countries must eliminate excessive bureaucracy to deliver results.
Also present at the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined three major areas of collaboration: disease and health management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and improved livestock breeds.
President Lula further assured that Brazil’s world-renowned agricultural research institutions would partner with Nigeria to advance livestock farming and enhance overall productivity in the sector.