Tinubu has told Brazilian President Da Silva that all impediments that restrict Nigeria’s agriculture sector’s potential will be addressed.
President Bola Tinubu has warned Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that all barriers impeding the agricultural sector’s potential, especially animal production in Nigeria, will be addressed to allow for food sovereignty and exports.
Speaking on Saturday at a bilateral meeting with Da Silva and certain officials of both nations’ cabinets at the Copacabana Forte, President Tinubu stated that bureaucracy leads to delays in realizing the agriculture sector’s potential.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already implementing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.
President Tinubu emphasized that all formalities in bilateral agreements will be reduced and expedited in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resource exploitation.
The president added that Brazil’s research and development services have been exemplary for most countries, with the country ranking among the top producers of food and agricultural products.
On livestock farming, President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s efforts to increase investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, adding that the blue economy offers opportunities for long-term collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.
He stated that Nigeria was ready for a solid collaboration and immediate action to increase food production.
The president stated that sub-nationals play an important role in food and animal production in Nigeria, complementing the federal government’s attempts to use agriculture as a substantial source of employment and resource mobilization.
President Lula, for his part, guaranteed that all agreements with Nigeria would be regularized and that the MoUs would be updated and signed as soon as President Tinubu arrived.
Da Silva stated that in order to obtain speedy results, the remaining bureaucracy between the two countries must be eradicated and that Brazil’s research and development institutions will work with Nigeria to improve livestock husbandry.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, remarked that President Tinubu has constantly stressed Nigeria’s food security and that the mandate will be carried out through local and global collaborations.
Kyari stated that Nigeria already has a competitive advantage in fertilizer production, which could readily be increased.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted three areas of collaboration with Brazil: health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.
The bilateral meeting was attended by Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
Governor of Ogun State, Abiodun, declared that the sub-nationals will support the federal government’s framework for reforming the agriculture sector.
Abiodun stated that both leaders’ decision to incorporate a business roundtable during President Tinubu’s official visit to the country will bring new ideas and resources, allowing for speedy results in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural industry.
The bilateral meeting also included Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.