By Ameh Gabriel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a state visit to Brasília on August 25, 2025.
The leaders hailed the historic relationship between both nations, dating back to 1961, and outlined new agreements spanning trade, agriculture, energy, aviation, security, and multilateral cooperation. Key highlights include the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost connectivity, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on political consultations, training of diplomats, and science, technology and innovation.
On trade, both sides pledged to expand volumes beyond current levels, with Nigeria set to approve imports of Brazilian apples, beef, and poultry genetics, while Brazil conducts risk assessments to import Nigerian sesame and hibiscus. The leaders also advanced cooperation under the Green Imperative Program, fertilizer supply chain investments, and agreements between financial and investment promotion agencies of both countries.
Energy and food security emerged as priority areas, alongside cooperation in law enforcement. Brazil will open a Federal Police Liaison Office in Abuja by the end of 2025, complementing recent MoUs with Nigeria’s NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and future collaboration on human trafficking.
On global issues, the two presidents jointly called for urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council and the World Trade Organization to give developing nations a stronger voice. They welcomed Nigeria’s accession to BRICS earlier this year and pledged support for COP30 in Brazil, particularly on financing tropical forest conservation through the proposed Tropical Forest Forever Facility.
The leaders also emphasized solidarity in the Global South, stronger South Atlantic cooperation through ZOPACAS, and the pursuit of peace in Africa and beyond.
“Brazil and Nigeria share common visions for a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable world order,” the joint statement concluded, underlining the visit as a milestone in deepening ties between Latin America’s largest nation and Africa’s biggest economy.
