Nigeria and Brazil have concluded arrangements for the implementation of the Nigeria-Brazil Agro Trade Fast-Track Initiative, paving the way for expanded agricultural trade, investment and research collaboration between both countries.
The initiative follows the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to deepen agricultural cooperation after Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil in 2025. It also builds on the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, co-chaired by the vice presidents of both countries, under which a Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture and livestock cooperation was signed.
The agreement was finalised during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock led a delegation to meet with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Livestock Development, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and other senior government officials.
Under the initiative, Nigeria will begin large-scale exports of hibiscus flowers and sesame seeds to Brazil, while Brazil will export apples to Nigeria. Both countries are also advancing discussions on the export of Nigerian shea butter, while Brazil has expressed interest in Nigeria’s fertiliser sector.
The two nations also agreed to strengthen agricultural research, innovation, technology transfer and capacity building through Brazil’s agricultural research corporation, EMBRAPA, to improve productivity and support food security
The Brazilian delegation further sought Nigeria’s backing for its candidate in the election for Executive Director of the International Sugar Organization (ISO), scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom in September.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the Brazilian delegation and the Nigerian ministers involved for bringing the initiative to fruition. He also welcomed plans to establish direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, saying the move would boost trade, investment and wider economic cooperation between the two countries.
