President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a commitment to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that have hindered Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly livestock production, to enhance food security and boost exports.
The President made this pledge during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
The meeting focused on food security, livestock development, and trade cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga to newsmen in Abuja, Tinubu stated that Nigeria is undertaking reforms aimed at making the agricultural sector more competitive globally.
He emphasised that agriculture is a key area where Nigeria has a natural competitive edge, which can be unlocked through international collaboration.
The President stated, “All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration.”
President Tinubu praised Brazil’s reputation in agricultural research and export, describing the country as a model for food production.
He announced that Nigeria is increasing investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to improve food supply and create jobs.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s blue economy, which presents opportunities for collaboration with Brazil in the marine and aquatic sectors.
Calling for immediate nationwide action, Tinubu urged both federal and state governments to support increased food production and help transform agriculture into a significant source of employment and revenue.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva echoed this urgency, promising to regularise and update all agreements during Tinubu’s next visit.
He committed to working with Nigeria to modernise livestock systems and remove bureaucratic delays.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s fertiliser production capacity as a substantial advantage for scaling agricultural growth.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, identified three key areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation: animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State noted that the upcoming Nigeria-Brazil Business
Forum would bring fresh investment and new ideas to the agriculture sector.
The bilateral meeting saw participation from governors of Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos States, showing strong sub-national backing for the Federal Government’s agricultural plans.
Also present were Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), further emphasising the importance of the high-level discussions.
