
Nigeria and Brazil have deepened their bilateral relations through a trade mission aimed at fostering economic, agricultural, cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
This initiative is expected to drive sustainable development, strengthen partnerships and attract significant investments.
At the Nigeria-Brazil Trade Mission held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration. He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a game-changer, noting that it has already attracted a $2.5 billion investment from Brazilian stakeholders.
“This landmark achievement has sparked global interest, with numerous delegations from embassies, missions, and investors engaging with Nigeria. A team has already conducted an initial scan of Nigeria’s livestock market, and another is expected to arrive this month to solidify investment plans,” Maiha stated.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria and Brazil working together to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and enhance bilateral trade. “We are committed to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a modern, globally competitive industry focused on economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction,” he added.
Maiha outlined key areas for collaboration, including:
- Livestock Health Management: To prevent and control transboundary diseases.
- Improving Breeding and Genetics: To enhance productivity and quality.
- Feed and Nutrition: To increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- Marketing and Trade: To expand access to international markets.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s livestock sector presents vast investment opportunities and pledged the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive growth and development.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete emphasised the historical and emotional ties between the two countries as a foundation for expanding trade and investment flows. He noted that with Nigeria’s recent confirmation as a BRICS partner and its attendance at the G20 Summit, the partnership’s potential has increased significantly.
“Brazil has become the largest buyer of non-oil Nigerian exports, accounting for 20.22 per cent of the total. Initiatives like the Green Imperative programme aim to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector through Brazilian expertise. With projected investments of $4.3 billion, this program will create jobs, boost food security, and enhance trade,” Garcete said.
He added that the Fundação Getúlio Vargas is set to sign a $1.2 billion contract with the Nigerian government to advance agricultural development and food security. Additionally, Brazilian conglomerate GBS has signed a $2.5 billion memorandum of understanding to establish six industrial plants in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Jumoke Oduwole described the trade mission as a significant milestone in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. She highlighted the need to reverse the decline in trade volumes between the two nations, which dropped from over $10 billion a decade ago to much lower levels.
“This trade mission marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigerian-Brazilian economic relations. With Nigeria’s new status as a BRICS partner, we have immense opportunities for trade, investment, and global economic influence,” Oduwole said.
She reiterated that the trade mission underscores both nations’ dedication to fostering shared prosperity, mutual respect and sustainable development.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari stressed that agriculture is critical for achieving food security and creating jobs. He noted that Nigeria and Brazil’s collaboration in this sector offers exciting opportunities for fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology and agricultural financing.
“With an expected initial investment of $1 billion, we can leverage Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector, improve productivity and ensure sustainability,” Kyari said.
He emphasised the importance of supporting agribusinesses across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, noting that technical and financial resources are crucial for driving growth and empowering farmers.
Ambassador director of the department of trade, investment and agriculture promotion at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alex Giacomelli da Silva highlighted the mission’s significance. He described it as the third multi-sectoral mission to Africa, covering Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal in addition to Nigeria.
“This mission reflects Brazil’s commitment to fostering deeper economic, cultural, and political connections with Africa. It builds on our shared cultural and historical heritage and aims to strengthen ties across key sectors,” Giacomelli said.
He added that Brazil’s presidency of BRICS in 2025 will focus on global governance reforms and reducing inequalities. “Nigeria’s inclusion in BRICS opens opportunities for innovative solutions in areas like family agriculture, school feeding programmes and social welfare,” he noted.
Giacomelli assured that Nigeria and Brazil would continue to explore collaborations in sectors such as aviation, civil construction, biofuels, machinery and technology. “Brazil’s growing imports of non-oil Nigerian products underscore the potential of this partnership to redefine economic ties between our nations,” he said.
The trade mission represents a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria-Brazil relations. With substantial investments in agriculture, livestock and industrial development, both nations are poised to unlock new economic opportunities and foster sustainable development.