Nigeria and Brazil have entered the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing food security and driving agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Kashim Shettima’s spokesperson disclosed this in a statement yesterday, highlighting the project’s potential to increase agricultural productivity and attract private-sector investments.
The Green Imperative Project, recognized as Africa’s largest agricultural initiative focused on sustainable, low-carbon farming, is designed to create structural frameworks that will improve food production efficiency in Nigeria.
The agreement builds upon the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2018.
It is also part of a broader collaboration, including the $4.3 billion second phase of the project and the $2.5 billion JBS initiative, both signed in Brazil last year during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit, bringing the total investment to nearly $8 billion.
Shettima, speaking at the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, described the commencement of the commercial phase as a significant step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen food security.
“As we tackle food security challenges under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, we must leverage existing initiatives like the GIP to ensure policy continuity, maximize strategic opportunities, and reinforce investor confidence,” Shettima stated.
He noted that the project aligns with the administration’s broader agricultural policies and will bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and key value chains across the sector.
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“For decades, low productivity has plagued our agricultural sector. Nigerians have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, but many lack the resources needed to take their first steps toward economic growth.
“The GIP is a game-changer, seamlessly integrating with our policies and prioritizing small-scale farmers while fostering a robust agricultural value chain,” he added.
Shettima acknowledged that while Nigeria is entering the project’s implementation stage later than expected, the collaboration with Brazil marks a turning point.
He pointed to 2025 as a critical year for achieving food security and diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, expressed his country’s enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising that negotiations spanning seven years had culminated in securing financing from private and regional development banks for the project.
“This initiative, valued at approximately $1.1 billion, will enable the importation of agricultural equipment, including tractors and spare parts. More importantly, assembly operations will take place in Nigeria, utilizing local labour. Additionally, trained personnel will be available to handle repairs and maintenance, ensuring sustainability,” Garcete explained.
On behalf of the Brazilian government, he commended President Tinubu for successfully concluding the negotiations, signalling a strengthened bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, hailed the agreement as a crucial development for subnational governments, noting that agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic strength.
“For us at the state level, this is a landmark achievement. Agriculture plays a vital role in our economy, and this agreement reaffirms the Tinubu administration’s commitment to revolutionizing the sector,” he said.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, also celebrated the initiative, stating that Benue, as Nigeria’s ‘food basket’ stands to benefit immensely.
“Benue doesn’t just hold the basket; we provide the food and surpluses that sustain the nation. We fully support this project and will work towards its successful implementation,” Alia assured.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar described the signing as a landmark achievement in South-South cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
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He noted that the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs recently visited Nigeria for bilateral discussions with President Tinubu, underscoring both nations’ dedication to the partnership.
“Brazil’s agricultural success story—transforming its barren savannah into one of the world’s most productive farmlands—offers valuable lessons for Nigeria. This collaboration is a major step towards replicating that success here,” Tuggar remarked.
The Green Imperative Project is expected to serve as a catalyst for modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, fostering job creation, and ensuring long-term food security.
