The Presidency yesterday justified the two-day official visit of President Bola Tinubu to Brazil from 24 to 25 August, 2025.
Reacting to criticism trailing the state visit on a Television programme (TVC’s Sunday Politics) in Abuja on Sunday evening, presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare described the state visit as a profoundly strategic step, aimed at deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Latin America’s largest economy and a key BRICS member.
According to the presidential media aide, the trip reflects Nigeria’s broader ambition to diversify and strengthen its economy beyond traditional alliances.
He explained why the visit is not only timely but essential for Nigeria’s growth.
His words: “This is the third visit of President Tinubu to Brazil, and it is with a justifiable cause. It reflects a renewed and focused effort to build lasting economic integration between our countries—a journey that started 21 years ago under President Obasanjo and has gained fresh momentum under President Tinubu.”
Dare highlighted compelling parallels between Nigeria and Brazil, noting their comparable population sizes—Brazil’s 212 million, and Nigeria’s 225 million—and Brazil’s distinguished position as a global leader in mechanised agriculture and renewable energy.
“Brazil has a cattle herd of 238 million, even more than its human population. This success in agribusiness offers valuable lessons for us as we expand our livestock industry.”
While previous presidential visits focused on international summits such as the G20 and BRICS, the Special Adviser clarified that this visit represents a decisive shift from diplomacy to concrete economic and political agreements.
According to him: “This third visit is a state visit, and it moves Nigeria from being a dialogue partner to actively cutting the necessary deals that will open up investments and strengthen cooperation. This visit is critical to opening the economic chapter of our relationship with Brazil.
“It’s about transforming historic and cultural ties into practical, mutually beneficial investments that will boost Nigeria’s growth and global standing.”
Asked about tangible outcomes from President Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips to attract foreign direct investment, Dare pointed to recent successes, including the launch of 10,000 tractors and over 25,000 farm implements in Abuja to support Nigerian farmers.
He also spoke of $5 billion worth of assets received as foreign direct investment within two years of this administration.
Dare noted that while it takes time for investments to fully materialize, “This is a government that has been in power for two years… We have seen several MOUs activated. These MOUs are live, and I can assure you that most activities tied to them will soon be onboarded for the benefit of our country.”
He added that Brazil represents one of Nigeria’s brightest opportunities due to parallels in agriculture, oil and gas, and youth development.
According to him: “We have similarities, both in opportunities and potentials… This union, I believe, will yield results for our country.”
On his part, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while also speaking on the programme, highlighted the significant benefits expected from
Dare talked about a recently signed agreement between Nigeria and Brazil known as the Green Imperative Partnership (GIP), valued at about $1.1 billion.
He explained that although the agreement was initially reached six years ago, it had remained dormant until President Tinubu revitalized it.
The presidential aide stressed the political will behind this renewed effort, saying, “In two years, we have seen Nigeria’s economy diversified… The GDP has massive potentials for our country. It has the potential to create at least 100,000 direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs.”
He also mentioned the potential for massive agri-mechanization through the introduction of 10,000 tractors and 50,000 farm implements, noting Brazil’s leading role as an agricultural powerhouse with over 238 million cattle.
Dare further underscored the significance of upcoming agreements, including one for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil that will cut travel time to around eight hours, facilitating increased tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
He said: “Where are the points in our history that we have a president who understands the dynamics of global economic power?… President Tinubu has started early enough looking to South-South cooperation. Looking to Brazil, that will have so many things in common, and I think it’s on the right track.
