Nigeria to sign over 30 MoUs as strategic Nigeria-Brazil dialogue kicks off June 23
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria is set to sign more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil as it hosts the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) from June 23 to 25, 2025.
The event according to statement on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, energy, defence, creative economy, and innovation.
Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), described the visit of the Brazilian delegation led by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin as “a landmark event in Nigeria’s international diplomacy and a strategic platform for deepening bilateral relations between two influential regional powers.”
He emphasised that the dialogue aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic revitalisation and global partnerships.
“We will engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at expanding collaboration across trade, investment, agriculture, energy, defence, innovation, and cultural exchange — critical areas for sustainable development for both nations,” Hadejia said.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted the growing momentum since President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil in late 2024.
She announced a Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum on June 25, which will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, and over 400 million consumers.
A key feature will be a Digital Trade Room to leverage Brazil’s digital inclusion expertise and Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem for scalable innovation.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed plans to enhance agricultural productivity through MoUs covering animal genetics research, soya bean production, and the Green Imperative Programme (GIP), a $4.5 billion investment to establish agricultural project offices across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
“The SDM platform will expedite the implementation of this transformative programme,” he noted.
Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, expressed optimism about leveraging shared cultural heritage to boost Afro-Atlantic cooperation and transform Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries.
She said the MoUs would open new economic and cultural opportunities.
Ambassador Janet Olisa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the strategic focus on economic diplomacy through trade, agriculture, digital innovation, and private sector collaboration.
“We have close to 30 MoUs under negotiation across agriculture, defence, health, and the creative economy. Some will be signed next week, others during the President’s state visit to Brazil,” she said.
Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, added that preparations extend beyond the national level to involve states and private sector stakeholders, with plans to host Brazilian investors in states like Kebbi, Plateau, Lagos, Edo, Nasarawa, and the FCT.
The SDM is coordinated by the Office of the Vice President and is designed as a strategic platform to secure real investment outcomes and deepen South-South cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
“We have not maximally capitalised on the fraternity between us and Brazil, but it is better late than never. The upcoming SDM presents an opportunity to execute sector-specific MoUs and unlock investment flows,” Vice President Kashim Shettima said at a preparatory meeting.
This renewed partnership also includes the anticipated return of Brazilian state oil giant Petrobras to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, signalling broader economic engagement and investment opportunities.
