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NDLEA secures order to detain vessel, 21 crew members over cocaine shipment from Brazil

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Babafemi said operatives of the NDLEA acting on credible intelligence had on 6th December 2025 discovered the cocaine consignment aboard the merchant vessel MV San Anthonio from Brazil.

He said after the full discharge of cargo from the ship, a total of 21 crew members of diverse nationalities including Russia, Phillipines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan were taken into NDLEA custody along with the drug exhibits.

“This is coming on the heels of a similar interception by NDLEA officers of another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus from the port of Santos in Brazil with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo on 16th November at the Apapa seaport Lagos.

“Suspects taken into custody along with the latest seized cocaine consignment include the Master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr; and other crew members namely: Stoychev Sergiy; Bobrov Maksim; Stupnytsky Sergiy; Bitinev Aleksei; Novruzov Teymur; Sosnov Oleg; Bondar Ihor; Klymenko Oleh; Cala Michael De Jesus; Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem; Blanco Crus Veloso; Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao; Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano; Toston Romulo Jr. Oling; Smirnov Viacheslav; Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong; Cruz John Vhoie Glavez; Sablan Jamille Alorro; Abesia Kelvin Belarmino; and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco,” Babafemi said.

He said on line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA on Friday 12th December filed an ex-parte application in suit FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for the detention of the ship and the 21 crew members pending when charges will be filed against them.

“Ruling on the application, the judge said ‘an order of court is hereby made extending the detention of the Vessel MV San Antonio being investigated by the Applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for fourteen days (14) in the first instance following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the said Vessel on 6th December, 2025 at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution.’ The court thereafter adjourned the matter to 29th December 2025.

In his reaction to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the latest seizure reinforces his earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that they will never get a foothold in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

While commending the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency for the back-to-back successful operations, Marwa said, “This is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region especially Nigeria.”

He said the Agency will continue to collaborate with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

December 17, 2025
Lessons from Brazil and South Africa

The best way to view the Nigerian nation is that it stands at a critical juncture. The central question is how to transform it from its current state into the country it ought to be: one of the world’s top 12 economies, with a low poverty rate and a growing, sustainable middle class.

In this context, the actions and decisions of the current government are particularly significant. The present government has made a very good start. While this is a contentious statement, it is the stark and honest reality. Without a painful fiscal rebalancing of the economy, Nigeria would have been a basket case by today, seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Therefore, the Bola Tinubu-led government deserves credit for averting what could have been a humiliating disaster and betrayal of the high hopes of independence.

In the span of just a few days, two events have occurred that helped to illuminate Nigeria’s current dilemma. The president’s state visit to Brazil, for instance, is significant not because it was unusual, but because the destination itself holds a deeper meaning.

Beyond the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Brazil’s experience should serve as a roadmap for the present government. During his first term in office, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva presided over a period where, according to figures from international organizations like the World Bank, approximately 40 million Brazilians were lifted out of poverty. This is an amazing feat for any democracy!

During his eight-year tenure, Lula da Silva never controlled the National Assembly and was consistently forced to negotiate legislation clause by clause. In spite of this, he pulled millions out of poverty, expanded the middle class, and unleashed Brazil’s hidden potential. This is a feat the Nigerian government should examine closely.

There is a lot to learn from Brazil. For example, the country used its homegrown school feeding programme not only to benefit schoolchildren but also to transform itself into a major agricultural powerhouse that exports semi- and fully-processed goods. This success was so significant that one of the articles of impeachment against Dilma Rousseff, Lula da Silva’s successor, was that Brazil had failed to meet its soybean export target to China.

In revamping its homegrown school feeding programme, Nigeria should have paid special attention to the similar programme engineered by Lula da Silva. The laudable recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) should provide a launching pad for revitalizing this programme and modernizing Nigeria’s entire agricultural value chain. This would lay the necessary foundation for the agro-allied sector to contribute at least 60% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings by 2032.

Another key lesson from Brazil is the success of its respected development bank, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES). As The Economist once highlighted, it’s the world’s largest development bank, providing loans for major infrastructure projects with terms of up to 34 years. To learn from its success, a team from BOA should have been part of the delegation to build long-term relationships and hold detailed discussions with BNDES management.

Brazil and Nigeria, both developing nations, show divergent paths. Brazil’s diversified economy and stronger social systems have resulted in a GDP five times Nigeria’s and a much higher life expectancy. Nigeria’s economy, however, is crippled by its heavy dependence on oil, creating a “rentier state” where political elites control wealth instead of fostering a productive, broad-based economy. This has led to a profound disconnect between the nation’s immense resources and its citizens welfare.

Read Also: Nigeria: Why Brazil. Yes, Brazil

The story of Nigeria and Brazil is an age-old joke that often makes its rounds. As the tale goes, Nigeria and Brazil arrived at the gates of heaven at the same time. Brazil’s representative began to complain to Saint Peter: “Why did you bless Nigeria with such an abundance of mineral resources, a fertile land, and beautiful landscapes, yet we were given so little?” Saint Peter smiled and simply asked Brazil to look at the kind of leaders Nigeria had.

This joke speaks to a powerful truth: a nation may be blessed with all the good things in life, but without capable and visionary leadership to show the way, all those blessings can amount to nothing. When you look at Nigeria’s case, had it been led by true statesmen like Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Michael Okpara, our story might have been entirely different.

Nigeria’s primary challenge is economic. Until the root causes of poverty are addressed, the myriad of political and security issues cannot be vanquished. This is the critical task facing the Tinubu administration. It must demonstrate the leadership and skills required to propel the nation forward, while citizens must cultivate the civic virtue to demand no less. Drawing from Brazil’s experience offers valuable lessons, and it is hoped these were thoroughly absorbed.

A second issue is the powerful speech given by Julius Sello Malema of the South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) showed great foresight and guts by inviting the firebrand to speak.

Malema was absolutely correct: the future of sub-Saharan Africa should be built upon a working partnership between post-apartheid South Africa and a resurgent Nigeria. This offers a clear, visible way out of the African dilemma, with the two forces working in tandem to realize the laudable objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

South Africa and Nigeria have a historical duty to spearhead an African renaissance. However, Nigeria must first step up by emulating the independence and resilience of South Africa’s fine and effective institutions. To achieve substantial development, Nigeria must undergo an “institutional revolution.” Without strong institutions, no country can achieve sustainable progress. Even authoritarian regimes rely on professionalized and effective state institutions as the primary drivers of success.

The Nigerian dilemma can be solved by emulating the interwoven linkage between professionalized state institutions and their performance, a model clearly demonstrated by Singapore since 1965. This means all state institutions – including Customs, Immigration, and the internal security network – must be professionalized and made truly independent.

For instance, there is a marked difference in professionalism, independence and effectiveness between Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its British equivalent, the Serious Fraud Office, as well as with their counterparts in Brazil and Malaysia. Without a paradigm shift, our foundations will remain weak and we’ll continue to struggle.

The bitter truth is that Brazil and South Africa are not just outperforming Nigeria, they are not in the same league. While the two are in the Premier League, Nigeria is in the 10th Division. Tragically, the country has been led by a “seventh eleven”, a team of uninspiring leaders.

Who would have wanted to travel to Singapore in 1965? Didn’t Lee Kuan Yew beat Nigeria at its own game in 1965? Now, the standard of living in Singapore is higher than in most states in the US, and two of its universities are among the world’s top 100. Meanwhile, where is the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university?

While Brazil (218 million) and South Africa (63 million) are full members of BRICS – and Brazil even holds a seat at the influential G20 table – Nigeria, with its whopping 230 million people, is still waiting for its invitation to the big leagues. Evidently, a massive population is just a fun fact, not a prerequisite for geopolitical power.

Who knew a country actually had to get its act together to join the grown-ups’ table? It seems the bar is set absurdly high: functional governance, economic stability, and maybe even a hint of political maturity.

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

August 30, 2025
Nigeria: Why Brazil. Yes, Brazil

By Sunday Dare

Three visits in less than a year. That is not mere coincidence, it is deliberate strategy. And as usual, disingenuous reportage from a section of the press is insinuating some obsession of President Tinubu with Brazil. Well, Yes. But it is an obsession in pursuit of economic partnerships and opportunities for Nigeria. And that’s what visionary leaders do.

The deeper truth, however, lies in a deliberate arc of diplomacy — one that connects Nigeria’s voice in global governance to concrete opportunities for investment, trade, and cooperation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third visit to Brazil is at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, one of our biggest supporters and partners.

A strategic arc -From G20 to BRICS to a state visit

The first visit of President Tinubu to Brazil was in November 2024: for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Rio de Janeiro from November 18-19, 2024. The president was at the summit which focused on ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,’ a gathering that was convened to tackle major global challenges like poverty, hunger, energy transition, and sustainable development.

At that forum, Tinubu gracefully advocated for reforming global governance structures, continuing Nigeria’s long-standing call for fairer representation of developing nations in decision-making institutions.

The sophomore visit was barely a month ago from 6th-7th of July for the BRICS Summit, in Brasília. At this 17th BRICS Summit, President Tinubu participated as the leader of a Partner Country- a membership category short of full status but significant, nonetheless.

This BRICS summit focused on ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’ with discussions centring on social, economic, and environmental development. President Tinubu’s message rang out clearly: Nigeria cannot remain a passive observer in the evolving global order — it must be an active shaper of a fairer and more inclusive system.

“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare”.

And now, this august visit marks the transition from diplomacy to deals. Beyond dialogue, the focus has been activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing joint initiatives like the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanization project and securing new flows of FDI into Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors. It is also about deepening political trust, expanding cultural exchange, and harnessing shared opportunities in renewable energy, climate resilience, and digital transformation.

Why Nigeria and Brazil must work together

Brazil is Latin America’s largest economy and a global agricultural powerhouse. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies with vast arable land and a young, dynamic population. Both are leaders of the Global South with converging aspirations in South–South cooperation.

Together, we face common challenges — and opportunities:

• Food Security: Brazil’s advanced mechanization and Nigeria’s fertile land create a powerful synergy.

• Climate Change & Energy Transition: Both countries share vulnerabilities, requiring joint innovation in renewables and green finance.

• Global Trade Realignment: With uncertainties around U.S. AGOA renewal, BRICS-linked trade and currency channels are becoming vital.

• Technology & Youth Employment: Harnessing the digital economy is central to empowering their youthful populations.

Trade and Investment Potential:

Trade between Nigeria and Brazil has experienced sharp swings in recent years. From a high of about US $9 billion a decade ago, bilateral trade fell to just US $1.6 billion in 2023, reflecting underutilized opportunities and shifting global dynamics.

In 2024, the figure remained under US $2 billion, with Brazil exporting roughly US $970 million worth of goods such as machinery and poultry to Nigeria, while Nigeria’s exports to Brazil stood at about US $920 million, driven by oil, cocoa, urea, and sesame. Brazil’s total imports from Nigeria in 2024 were valued at US $1.17 billion, largely mineral fuels and fertilizers.

Despite this contraction, the trade balance between the two economies remains relatively even, a sign of mutual complementarity rather than one-sided dependence. Nigeria’s non-oil exports are increasingly finding space in the Brazilian market — in October 2024 alone, Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached US $0.62 billion, with Brazil as the single largest destination, accounting for over 20 per cent of the total.

This demonstrates that beyond hydrocarbons, sectors like agriculture and agro-processing are already serving as bridges between the two economies, with clear potential for scaling up.

Looking ahead, both countries have set ambitious targets to revive and expand their trade partnership. At several fora, leaders pledged to push trade back above US $2 billion, with a longer-term goal of reaching US $3.5 billion by 2030.

Read Also: Nigerian antiquities get fresh breather in first digital museum

Nigeria and Brazil have since signed onto an economic cooperation with the launch of the Green Imperative Partnership (GIP), a USD $1.1 billion initiative aimed at supplying 10,000 tractors and 50,000 pieces of equipment, to be assembled in Nigeria. This project is estimated to provide about 100,000 direct jobs and over five million indirect jobs. The program is anticipated to advance agricultural mechanisation and food security in Nigeria. It is imperative to note that the Green Imperative Agreement was signed during the visit of the Brazilian Foreign Minister, H.E. Mauro Viera, in Abuja this year.

In Oil & Gas, Brazilian giants such as Petrobras and Embraer are exploring investments in energy and aviation. The BASA Agreement for a direct flight route between our two countries is already on the table to be consummated, a move that would dramatically improve connectivity, lower costs, and unlock new flows of trade, tourism, and investment.

Cultural linkages

Asides trade and economy, Nigeria and Brazil are linked by deep historical bonds dating back to the transatlantic slave trade, when millions of Africans — especially Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo — were taken to Brazil. Their languages, faiths, music, and cuisine left lasting imprints, visible today in Salvador da Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Afro-Brazilian traditions like Candomblé and Capoeira. Consular relations between the two countries are marked by the presence of an estimated 9,000 Nigerians residing in Brazil, the majority of whom live in Sao Paulo, the biggest city and commercial nerve centre of the country.

These roots now fuel modern exchanges in art, film, music, and academia, with Yoruba studies thriving in Brazil and Afro-Brazilian festivals attracting Nigerians. Such cultural diplomacy strengthens goodwill and opens pathways in the creative economy, heritage tourism, and education — proving the Nigeria–Brazil relationship is as much about shared identity as it is about shared strategy.

Beyond trade and diplomacy — towards shared prosperity

The growing relevance of BRICS and the G20 signals a shift toward a multipolar world order. This is not about opposing any single power bloc; it is about ensuring space for voices like Nigeria’s and Brazil’s in reshaping trade, finance, technology, and food systems.

As President Tinubu argued in Brasília, BRICS and South–South frameworks allow nations like Nigeria and Brazil to ‘look inward to decide what is important for our people and how we can leverage partnerships to accelerate development.’

Nigeria and Brazil share several commonalities, including vast territories, large populations, tropical climates, and similar colonial histories. Both countries hold considerable influence within their respective regions and are active members of key international organisations. They have been strong advocate for South-South Cooperation, with Brazil viewing Nigeria as a strategic gateway to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) market.

This state visit is yet one of President Tinubu’s Power Forward Diplomacy (PFD), one that obliterates obstacles but propels Nigeria into a new era of bold economic and political diplomacy. A handshake across the Atlantic between two global players in their own rights. Let the world take note: BRAZIL IS THEREFORE NOT A DETOUR BUT A DESTINATION.

•Dare is Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication.

August 28, 2025
Tinubu departs Brazil for Abuja ‎

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Brasília, Brazil, for Abuja following a high-level state visit focused on strengthening Nigeria-Brazil bilateral relations.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential jet took off from Brasília International Airport Air Force Base at about 12. 57 p.m (local time).
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‎Amb. Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East and Amb Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, were present at the airport to bid farewell to the President.
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‎The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other government officials were also on ground.

There was also a guard of honor led by Col Cel Nicolas at the brief departure ceremony.
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‎President Tinubu arrived in Brasília in the early hours of Monday, August 25, for the strategic diplomatic engagement.
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‎Upon arrival, he was received with full military honours and immediately met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior Brazilian officials.
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‎The two leaders held private discussions and oversaw the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding.
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‎The MoUs spanned aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture—key sectors in Nigeria’s development agenda‎.

Read Also: Tinubu vows to create value at home, deliver prosperity as he suspends raw shea export

President Tinubu also met with the Director-General of Brazil’s Securities and Exchange Commission and the Board of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
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‎He praised the Nigerian market’s performance, calling it a clear sign of investor confidence in his administration’s reforms.
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‎On the sidelines, he held additional meetings aimed at deepening Nigeria-Brazil cooperation in trade, education, and innovation.
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‎The president also met with members of the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil, urging them to contribute actively to nation-building.

(NAN)

August 27, 2025
Tinubu’s Brazil visit a strategic game changer for Africa – Information minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil will unlock economic opportunities and elevate Nigeria’s voice globally on behalf of Africa.

‎The minister stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.

‎He emphasised that Tinubu’s presence in Brazil was not just for Nigeria, but could serve as a spring board for other African countries.

‎“When President Tinubu speaks, he speaks for the continent. Nigeria is a continental and global leader,” he said.

‎The minister noted that this was the fourth meeting between Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighting the strategic depth of their partnership.

‎“This is a reconnection of two great nations with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties.”

‎According to Idris, five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in key areas: Foreign Affairs, Aviation, Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Cultural Exchange.

‎He said the MoUs are already yielding tangible benefits and will catalyze long-term cooperation and investment between both countries.

‎One standout development, he said, is the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), enabling direct commercial flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

‎He disclosed that an inaugural symbolic flight by Nigerian carrier Air Peace had departed from Brasília to Lagos early Wednesday morning.

‎The direct route, he noted, reduces travel time between Abuja and Brasília from over 24 hours to just seven.

Read Also: Information minister, US Ambassador, clarify visa policy changes

‎”This is not just about ease of travel. It’s about unlocking trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

‎Idris said the visit also carried historical and emotional weight, given Brazil’s deep African roots and centuries-old transatlantic slave trade connections.

‎“This is more than a state visit. It’s a symbolic healing of historical wounds.”

‎“It’s about cultural reconnection, economic collaboration, and redefining our shared future.”

‎The minister reiterated that Nigeria’s leadership role on the global stage is further solidified through this engagement.

‎“When President Tinubu speaks, he speaks for the continent. Nigeria is a continental and global leader,” he said.

(NAN)

August 27, 2025
Nigeria, Brazil deepen space technology partnership for global development

Nigeria and Brazil have set a new benchmark for South South cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), with space technology and applications taking center stage as engines of growth, sustainability, and security.

In a statement, Director, Media and Corporate Communications,Dr Felix Ale said the signing ceremony, which took place in Brasília, Brazil, was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of Nigeria and his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The MoU was signed by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uchenna Geoffrey Nnaji and Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

During the event, government leaders and industry experts underscored the strategic role of space technology in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, disaster management, and digital transformation.

Chief Uche Nnaji described the MoU as a statement of shared vision, stressing that space technology offers Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.

READ ALSO: Don’t mistake cash flow for profit, Williams Uchemba cautions business owners

He emphasized that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is committed to building ecosystems of innovation, leveraging satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.

In her remarks, Minister Luciana Santos highlighted Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bioeconomy applications, affirming that collaboration with Nigeria would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also deliver solutions with planetary relevance.

Both Nigeria and Brazil Presidents hailed the MoU as a milestone in South South collaboration, with President Tinubu noting that space technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva described the partnership as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South

The agreement is expected to pave the way for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.

Artificial intelligence applications will be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and Nigeria, Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems will strengthen resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.

Stakeholders believe this cooperation will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a new era in Nigeria Brazil relations, demonstrating that space science and technology are not just about exploration, but about building economies, empowering people, enhancing security, and safeguarding the planet.

August 26, 2025
Nigeria, Brazil sign five MoUs as Tinubu welcomes Petrobras’ imminent return

Nigeria and Brazil on Monday signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, diplomacy, science, aviation and finance, in a move both countries described as a turning point in their long-standing bilateral relations.

The agreements, witnessed at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, were announced at a joint press conference where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the imminent return of Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, Petrobras, to Nigeria.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the resumption of Petrobras’ operations, five years after it halted joint ventures in Nigeria, would reignite economic cooperation in the energy sector.

“We have the largest gas repository. So I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done as soon as possible,” he declared.

The President praised his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for committing to revitalising the partnership between the two nations.

“Nigeria’s economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies,” Tinubu said, while acknowledging Embraer’s role in boosting local airline operations through plans for a service centre in Nigeria to support maintenance and repairs.

Reflecting on his past engagements in Brazil, Tinubu urged a shift from symbolic gestures to tangible cooperation.

“Honourable Ministers of both countries, members of the Brazil Business Group, I have listened carefully to my friend, President Lula. We had a lengthy discussion. We talked about history and about African and Brazilian heritage.

“We tried to see why we are not at the level we wanted. We have allowed some problems and activities in the past to deter us from making progress and fulfilling our promises. But today we say that is the end of that,” he said.

Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Brazil in technology transfer, food security, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

Read Also: Nigeria-Brazil bilateral talks hold in Brasilia

“Today, we are fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we as a nation, the most populous, the most dynamic country, Nigeria, share with Brazil. We need to share—technology transfer, energy, economy—so that Brazil can continue to widen the opportunities for us to embrace Africa. Africa is the new frontier,” he said.

The President also called for knowledge sharing in pharmaceuticals, saying “we have elevated this promise to the path of reality, as you have seen in various MOUs. I don’t know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria.

“I don’t see why the technological superiority of Brazil is not shared with Africa. We assured each other that only we can develop our economies to help our sovereignty”, President Tinubu said.

Highlighting reforms at home, Tinubu assured Brazilian investors of a new era in Nigeria’s economy.

“The reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming. It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and there will be no more corruption.

“We have the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria here. You don’t have to know him before getting the foreign exchange you need. The speculators are out. In our currency market, the door is open for businesses,” he said.

President Lula, in his remarks, described the renewed Brazil–Nigeria engagement as timely in an era of rising protectionism.

“At a time when protectionism and unilateralism have returned, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their bet on free trade and productive integration. We continue to be dedicated to building a world of peace, free from hegemonic impositions.

“There are many possibilities for synergy between the world’s two largest countries with Black populations. Agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, fertilisers, aircraft, and machinery, among others, represent wide avenues for cooperation,” he said.

Lula announced the approval of a direct flight linking Lagos and São Paulo, to be operated by Air Peace.

“Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo,” he stated.

The five MoUs signed include: a Bilateral Air Services Agreement by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos.

Also, an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation and an MoU on political consultations were signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and her Brazilian counterpart, Ambassador Mauro Vieira.

An MoU on science, technology, and innovation cooperation was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Luciana Santos.

The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MOU for cooperation on trade and investment promotion, harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects.

Nigeria is Brazil’s 49th largest export destination with trade between both countries reaching $2.1 billion in 2024.

Following the agreements, President Tinubu attended a state luncheon hosted at the Itamaraty Palace.

August 26, 2025
Nigeria-Brazil bilateral talks hold in Brasilia

The ministerial session of the Nigeria-Brazil bilateral meeting is underway in Brasilia with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, presiding.

Vice President Alckmin said the opportunities between both nations are “huge and must be tapped into,” stressing that beyond economic and political ties, “we share an inclusive vision of the new world.”

Edun noted that with a global withdrawal from funding, there was a need for stronger South-South cooperation.

“This is a time the global South must trade more with each other,” he said. According to him, Nigeria and Brazil must take advantage of the shifting global economic order, where rules-based economies are coming under new tariff regimes.

Read Also: Nigeria-Brazil Livestock alliance to boost $2.97b global animal genetics market

The minister highlighted the reforms of President Bola Tinubu, which, he said, had ushered in macroeconomic stability. He listed a more stable exchange rate and growing foreign reserves as signs of progress, adding that the private sector was now better positioned to seize fresh opportunities.

The bilateral talks form part of President Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, which opened with a full military honours ceremony at the Planalto Palace.

August 25, 2025
PHOTOS: Tinubu officially meets Brazil’s President Lula

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Brasília, Brazil, on Monday, calling for renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the South American nation.

In a post on his official X handle, Tinubu described his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a renewal of long-standing ties between both countries.

August 25, 2025
PHOTOS: Tinubu’s arrival in Brazil for two-day state visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Brasília on Monday to begin a state visit aimed at deepening ties between Nigeria and Brazil through high-level meetings and the signing of several bilateral agreements.

The President, who flew in from Los Angeles, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and Plateau state Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang also received the President.

Read Also: Tinubu, Shettima, other dignitaries to attend GbaramatuVoice 10th anniversary in Abuja

August 25, 2025