Brasilia – Nigeria and Brazil signed five Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
The agreements, signed at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, were witnessed by President Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, following a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting.
The MoUs cover technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, renewable energy, diplomatic training, and political consultations. Aviation ties will be enhanced through a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, including a direct flight between Lagos and São Paulo operated by Nigeria’s Air Peace.
President Tinubu welcomed Petrobras’ imminent return to Nigeria, five years after the Brazilian state-owned oil company halted joint ventures, saying the move would boost economic cooperation in the energy sector.
The leaders also agreed on healthcare and pharmaceutical collaboration, noting Brazil’s expertise in generic drug manufacturing and the potential for knowledge exchange to benefit Nigeria and the wider African region.
Key signatories included Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Luciana Santos; Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filhos; and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira.
Brazil is Nigeria’s 49th largest export destination, with trade between the two countries totalling nearly US$2.1 billion in 2024. Brazil exported mainly sugar and jams to Nigeria and imported fertilisers.
President Tinubu described the agreements as a step toward turning intentions into action, adding that new direct flights, joint work on technology, food security, and clean energy would strengthen the partnership across the Atlantic.
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