Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but determined transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, marked by market expansion, institutional reforms, and focused policy shifts.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum in Abuja, as part of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), Mr Shettima described the country’s ongoing reforms as “silent but resolute,” aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships and attracting like-minded allies.
“This transformation is driven by a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake,” Shettima said.
“What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us.”
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At the forum, themed “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor,” Nigeria and Brazil agreed to strengthen their strategic alliance, targeting key sectors such as agriculture, food security, infrastructure, clean energy, trade, and industry.
Mr Shettima said Nigeria is following a development path similar to Brazil’s, particularly in agriculture, clean energy, and industrial growth.
He highlighted Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, adding that local farmers are now poised to operate at scale but need strategic partnerships to maximise their potential.
“Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation, training, and investment,” he said.
He also praised Brazil’s leadership in clean energy, noting that Nigeria is leveraging its gas reserves while advancing renewable energy solutions.
Mr Shettima emphasised that Nigeria is keen to learn from Brazil’s experience in building an energy economy that generates jobs and expands rural access.
He further noted the importance of partnerships that promote skills development and human capital growth.
On Brazil’s side, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, describing this as “one of the most promising” moments in Nigeria–Brazil cooperation.
He stressed the need to build sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in agriculture, defence, innovation, and energy.
Alckmin acknowledged that despite strong historic and cultural ties, trade volumes remain far below potential.
“Our trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor,” he said.
The Brazilian Vice President also referenced the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI), a $1.1 billion programme designed to transfer Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria, describing it as a model for South-South collaboration.
“Brazil does not just export products but solutions and ideas,” Alckmin noted, adding that President Lula’s administration is simplifying Brazil’s tax regime and exploring a direct flight route to Nigeria to facilitate trade and business travel.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Kumoke Oduwole, called for a reset in the bilateral trade relationship, noting that the trade volume had dropped from $9 billion a decade ago to around $2 billion today.
“The Nigeria–Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield tangible results,” she urged.
Ms Oduwole outlined Nigeria’s priority investment sectors, including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals.
She also highlighted the government’s new digital platform designed to track live investment projects and streamline investor engagement.
Princess Zarah Mustapha, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), stressed the importance of state-level reforms in attracting sub-national investments, while Victoria Aigbedion of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) reiterated the country’s commitment to creating a business-friendly regulatory environment.
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Brazilian business leaders at the forum expressed strong interest in Nigeria’s investment opportunities and long-term prospects.
The Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum formed part of a week-long series of engagements aimed at revitalising bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
