President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in fostering South-South cooperation by securing five new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil during his visit to Brasília.
Speaking after a cordial reception by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Itamaraty Palace, Tinubu highlighted that the dialogue was fruitful and actionable. “Our conversations were not mere protocol. They carried purpose and delivered action,” he stated.
The MoUs addressed critical sectors such as aviation, science, finance, trade, and diplomacy. These agreements are expected to advance Nigeria’s ambition of diversifying its economy, while creating mutual benefits for both nations.
A central point of discussion was the return of Petrobras, Brazil’s national oil corporation, to Nigeria. Tinubu welcomed the development, describing it as a boost for the petroleum industry. “I welcome Petrobras’s potential return to Nigeria. This move will re-energise our oil and gas sector and unlock wider economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
The President also disclosed that arrangements for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil were underway, alongside cooperation on food security, renewable energy, and technology exchange. He said, “From new direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, knowledge transfer, to joint work in technology, food security, and clean energy, we are opening fresh horizons together, built on a vision of a stronger global south partnership.”
Tinubu wrapped up by thanking Brazil for its warmth and hospitality. “Obrigado, Brasil, for the friendship, the feijoada, and for proving once again that we share one future across the Atlantic,” he added.