President Bola Tinubu arrived in Brasília, Brazil, on Monday, August 25, to begin a state visit aimed at boosting diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Brazil.
He was warmly received at Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s ambassador to Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, highlighted the importance of the visit.
“The official welcome ceremony, with full military honours, will take place at the Planalto Palace today.
The leaders will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference afterwards,” he said.
Upon arrival, Tinubu, who travelled from Los Angeles, United States, was also greeted by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu. Later, other members of the Nigerian delegation, including ministers, heads of government agencies, and private sector leaders, joined him at his hotel.
The delegation will participate in a series of bilateral meetings with Brazilian officials. These discussions are expected to cover agriculture, defence, and economic cooperation.
The signing of MoUs will formalize agreements on joint projects and strategic partnerships.
Following the welcome ceremony, Tinubu will hold a private meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Expanded bilateral talks with senior government officials from both nations will follow.
The leaders are then scheduled to jointly address the press, highlighting agreements reached during the visit.
This state visit is part of a series of high-level engagements between Nigeria and Brazil since Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.
Notable events include his participation in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July 2025 and the G20 Summit in November 2024, both hosted in Brazil.
The Nigeria-Brazil relationship dates back to the early 1960s and has recently focused on strategic sectors such as agriculture and defence.
Recent initiatives include a defence cooperation pact and a strategic dialogue mechanism. These agreements aim to enhance security collaboration and economic growth.
The visit will also build on major investment projects, including the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Programme (GIP) and the $2.5 billion JBS investment.
Both initiatives are designed to boost Nigeria’s food security, generate jobs, and strengthen bilateral trade.
The state visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding partnerships with global allies while driving sustainable development and economic growth at home.