President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that have long impeded growth. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Copacabana Forte, Tinubu emphasized that addressing these bottlenecks is crucial for achieving food sovereignty and expanding export opportunities, particularly in livestock production.
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “We’re Removing All Bottlenecks To Improve Food And Agric Production In Nigeria, Says President Tinubu To Brazilian Leader,” the Nigerian leader highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the economy for global competitiveness. “Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage,” the statement noted. Okay.ng reports.
Tinubu assured that technicalities in bilateral agreements covering trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resource exploration will be streamlined and expedited. He praised Brazil’s research and development capabilities, describing the country as a global leader in food and agricultural production.
On livestock farming, Tinubu detailed his administration’s efforts to attract investment in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, while also pointing to the blue economy as a promising area for long-term collaboration between the two nations. “Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production,” he declared.
The Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, echoed the President’s focus on food security, underscoring the importance of both local and international partnerships in realizing this goal. He also noted Nigeria’s competitive edge in fertilizer production, which could be further enhanced.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, identified three key areas for cooperation with Brazil: health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.
Governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos states were present, signaling strong subnational support for federal agricultural initiatives. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed optimism about the upcoming business forum during Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, anticipating it will inject new ideas and resources into Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Brazil’s President Lula committed to regularizing agreements and expediting the signing of memoranda of understanding during the next Nigerian presidential visit. He also stressed the need to remove bureaucratic delays hampering cooperation and pledged collaboration between Brazilian and Nigerian research institutions to boost livestock farming.
The bilateral meeting also involved Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership
