President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He made this clear during a strategic bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held ahead of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria would eliminate all obstacles slowing agricultural progress, especially in livestock production, in order to secure food sovereignty and boost export capacity.

While speaking publicly on July 5, 2025, Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria and Brazil not only share historical ties but also align in their development goals. Consequently, both countries agreed to deepen collaboration across crucial sectors such as agriculture, energy, trade, mining, industrial development, oil and gas, and technology.

“As a priority, we will dismantle all barriers that obstruct agricultural growth—particularly in livestock production,” Tinubu stated. “This is essential for ensuring food independence and driving our export agenda.”

Accelerating Agricultural Reforms for Food Security and Economic Growth

According to Tinubu’s media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the president pinpointed bureaucracy as a major factor delaying Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Therefore, he assured that ongoing economic reforms would boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness, with agriculture at the center of that strategy.

Tinubu also emphasized that his administration would address and fast-track all technical matters in current agreements with Brazil. These include trade facilitation, aviation, energy transition, mining, and agricultural development. In response, President Lula da Silva pledged that Brazil would finalize and sign all outstanding Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Tinubu’s next official visit.

Furthermore, Lula agreed that both nations must dismantle lingering bureaucratic challenges in order to achieve timely results. He also pledged Brazil’s support for livestock development in Nigeria by committing its research institutions to collaborate directly with Nigerian counterparts.

Green Imperative Project: Africa’s Boldest Agricultural Reform Initiative

This renewed partnership builds upon the recent launch of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP), a landmark agreement aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture. Signed at Nigeria’s Presidential Villa earlier in 2025, the GIP seeks to modernize farming through mechanization, promote eco-friendly practices, and expand private-sector involvement.

Vice President Kashim Shettima previously described the GIP as Africa’s most ambitious and holistic agricultural program. As part of its implementation, the project will deploy thousands of modern farming machines, set up rural service hubs, and train a new generation of skilled agricultural workers.

Through the GIP, Nigeria intends to bridge the gap between smallholder farmers and global export markets, while reducing reliance on food imports and minimizing post-harvest losses.

Brazil’s Agricultural Expertise to Accelerate Nigeria’s Modernization

As a global leader in agribusiness, Brazil brings advanced knowledge in livestock, mechanized farming, and crop production. With its success in poultry, beef, soybeans, and sugarcane production, Brazil’s involvement will significantly accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural modernization.

Under the renewed partnership, Brazil will provide advanced equipment, research support, and training. These tools will equip Nigerian institutions and farmers with the knowledge needed to meet international standards and scale up productivity.

Addressing Nigeria’s Deep-Seated Agricultural Challenges

Despite having over 70 million hectares of arable land and a large rural workforce, Nigeria continues to face significant agricultural obstacles. These include outdated practices, insufficient infrastructure, weak value chains, and high post-harvest waste. As a result, the country spends over $4.7 billion annually on food imports while millions of citizens remain food insecure.

To reverse this trend, Tinubu’s administration is adopting a holistic approach—reducing regulatory red tape, investing in infrastructure, and attracting global partners like Brazil. The strategy is designed to create jobs, stimulate rural economies, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Livestock Sector Positioned for a Major Overhaul

Livestock farming, which has long suffered from neglect, will undergo substantial transformation under the new Nigeria-Brazil agreement. With Brazil’s technical support, Nigeria will gain access to improved breeds, cutting-edge feed technologies, reliable veterinary services, and enhanced distribution networks.

These advancements are expected to increase domestic meat and dairy production, reduce reliance on imports, and generate new employment opportunities across rural communities. “We are implementing reforms that will reposition agriculture as a dynamic, investor-friendly sector,” Tinubu stated. “Our focus is on transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.”

Roadmap for Immediate Implementation

The next phase of the Nigeria-Brazil alliance involves translating strategic agreements into measurable actions. In the coming months, both governments will finalize MoUs, initiate training programs, and roll out farm machinery across different states.

President Lula da Silva emphasized that institutionalizing cooperation is vital for long-term success. He assured that Brazil would remain committed to ensuring the timely execution of all projects.

Conclusion: Laying the Foundation for Agricultural Prosperity

This deepened partnership between Nigeria and Brazil marks a critical turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural evolution. With strong political will, international expertise, and a clear vision, Nigeria is poised to shift from a food-importing nation to a food-secure economy.

Through the Green Imperative Project and Tinubu’s strategic diplomacy, agriculture is being redefined as a pillar of national development. As these reforms unfold, they promise not only to feed the nation but also to power its economic transformation and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians