Tinubu: Nigeria Working to Eliminate Obstacles in Agricultural Sector

President Bola Tinubu has assured his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, that Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to eliminate obstacles hindering the growth of the country’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on addressing bureaucracy that slows progress.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with President Lula at the Copacabana Forte, Tinubu emphasised that ongoing reforms are aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential to achieve food security and increase exports, especially in livestock production.

The meeting was attended by members of both countries’ delegations.

In a statement issued Saturday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s economic reforms designed to enhance global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where the country already possesses a comparative advantage.

Tinubu stated that technical aspects of agreements between Nigeria and Brazil would be simplified and accelerated to foster cooperation in key areas such as trade, aviation, energy transition, agriculture, mining, and natural resource development.

The president also commended Brazil’s achievements in research and development, particularly in food production, describing them as a model for other countries.

On livestock farming, Tinubu highlighted efforts by his administration to attract investment in poultry, cattle rearing, fisheries, and the blue economy, noting that these sectors offer significant opportunities for long-term collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.

He also emphasised the critical role of subnational governments in supporting food production and animal husbandry initiatives, complementing federal efforts to leverage agriculture as a key source of employment and economic growth.

In response, President Lula pledged Brazil’s commitment to updating and finalising existing agreements with Nigeria, noting that outstanding Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) would be signed during Tinubu’s next visit to Brazil.

Lula stressed the importance of removing bureaucratic bottlenecks to facilitate swift implementation of joint initiatives, adding that Brazilian research and development institutions would work with Nigeria to enhance livestock production.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, noted that President Tinubu has consistently prioritised food security, and this objective will be advanced through both local and international partnerships. He also pointed out that Nigeria holds a competitive advantage in fertiliser production, which can be further developed.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, identified three key areas for collaboration with Brazil: animal health and disease management, sanitary services, and research on genetic materials and new breeds.

Governors of Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos states Hyacinth Alia, Dapo Abiodun, Mohammed Umar Bago, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, respectively attended the bilateral meeting.

Governor Abiodun expressed the readiness of state governments to align with the federal government’s strategy to revitalise the agricultural sector, adding that the inclusion of a business forum during Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil would generate new ideas and resources to drive agricultural transformation.

Also present at the meeting were Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.