By John Moses
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a landmark $1 billion agricultural initiative with Brazil aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s farming sector through mechanisation, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.
During a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, President Tinubu described the Green Imperative Programme as a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise agriculture, boost local food production, and reduce dependency on imports.
“This programme signifies a shift from policy declarations to direct action,” Tinubu said. “In partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our own Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, this initiative will help mechanise farming, create jobs, and ensure food security for Nigerians and beyond.”
The initiative includes the establishment of training and service centres across Nigeria, facilitating technology transfer and empowering local farmers with access to modern farming equipment.
The President, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that the renewed Nigeria-Brazil alliance marks a new chapter in bilateral relations built on shared democratic values and a commitment to inclusive development.
“Our collaboration is now focused on results,” he said. “As two large democracies, we are harnessing our shared potential to deliver real outcomes.”
President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s upcoming participation in the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, as part of growing cooperation on climate resilience and green energy solutions.
He further pointed to Nigeria’s economic reforms—including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate harmonisation—as laying a stable foundation for foreign investment, particularly in agribusiness and renewable energy.
“Brazil’s track record in sustainable farming and clean energy aligns perfectly with our vision,” Tinubu added, praising Brazilian firms such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their investments in Nigerian infrastructure.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note with President Tinubu expressing solidarity in Portuguese: “Juntos somos mais fortes” — together we are stronger.
