By Peter Omopo
Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025 — President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate bureaucratic and structural obstacles stalling growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with the goal of achieving food sovereignty and expanding agricultural exports.
Tinubu gave the assurance during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Copacabana Forte in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, ahead of the 2025 BRICS Summit. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration was committed to repositioning Nigeria’s economy through targeted reforms, with agriculture as a central pillar.
“The President informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage,” the statement said.
Tinubu expressed his administration’s readiness to streamline and fast-track technical agreements between Nigeria and Brazil in key sectors including trade, aviation, energy transition, food production, mining, and natural resource development.
He noted that Brazil’s research and development initiatives had been a model for many countries, citing its global reputation as a top producer of food and agricultural products.
Speaking specifically on livestock farming, the Nigerian leader highlighted efforts to increase investment in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, while emphasizing the potential of the blue economy to support long-term bilateral partnerships.
“Nigeria is ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production,” Tinubu stated.
The meeting comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment and collaboration to revitalise its agriculture and food systems amid ongoing economic reforms.
