- Nigeria and Brazil will sign over 30 MoUs during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism in Abuja.
- The dialogue, backed by high-level delegations, aims to deepen trade, attract investment, and strengthen South-South ties.
The Federal Government of Nigeria will sign more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Federative Republic of Brazil during the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), set to begin in Abuja on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The three-day session will host high-level delegations from both nations, with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin leading a major trade and diplomatic mission to Nigeria. Officials expect the talks to strengthen bilateral ties across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, defence, innovation, and the creative economy.
Speaking at a press briefing at the State House, Abuja, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), described the visit as a landmark in Nigeria’s international diplomacy. He noted that the talks reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to building strategic global partnerships.
“This session aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic revitalisation, increased foreign direct investment, and Nigeria’s repositioning on the global stage,” Hadejia said in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Hadejia emphasised that Nigeria plans to use the occasion to unlock fresh investment flows, drive technical cooperation, and expand business engagement between countries.
One of the key highlights is the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum scheduled for June 25. The forum will include sector-specific platforms, such as a Digital Trade Room, which will deepen trade and foster innovation partnerships.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, noted that the SDM, first launched in 2013, has gained momentum following President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil in late 2024. She called the upcoming forum a springboard to access over 400 million combined consumers across both markets.
“Brazil’s leadership in digital inclusion and Nigeria’s fintech strength offer powerful collaboration. We are launching platforms to scale innovation and build strong trade linkages,” Oduwole said.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, confirmed significant progress in cooperation around animal genetics, soybean production, and research in the agriculture sector. He announced that several MoUs under the SDM directly support Nigeria’s food security goals.
Kyari also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the Green Imperative Programme (GIP), a $4.5 billion agricultural mechanisation project. Plans are to set up delivery offices in all 774 local government areas.
“The SDM gives us a fast-track mechanism to strengthen our strategic partnership with Brazil, particularly in agricultural mechanisation and innovation,” Kyari said.
On the cultural front, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, announced plans to sign MoUs that promote Afro-Atlantic collaboration in film, music, fashion, and tourism. Nigeria and Brazil share deep cultural ties. We want to build on this foundation to unlock opportunities in the creative and tourism sectors,” Musawa said.
From a foreign policy standpoint, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representative of the Foreign Minister, underscored the SDM’s role in advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy.
“We’re focusing on our strengths, agriculture, defence, health, and the creative economy. Nearly 30 MoUs are under negotiation. Some will be signed at this dialogue; others will follow during President Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Brazil,” Olisa said.
She added that the government expects all ministries to deliver tangible outcomes, noting that the SDM is not a symbolic gesture but a platform for real investment agreements.
Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), highlighted the involvement of sub-national actors. She confirmed that states like Lagos, Kebbi, Edo, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory will host Brazilian investors.
“This isn’t just a national event. States are fully involved to ensure Brazilian partners explore investment opportunities across Nigeria,” Moon stated.
The Office of the Vice President coordinates the SDM, which forms a core part of the administration’s push to strengthen South-South cooperation and attract transformative investments into Nigeria.