President Bola Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, drawing lessons from Brazil’s growth model.
President Tinubu made the pledge on Tuesday during a meeting with Nigerians living in Brazil.
He said his administration is committed to reform, innovation and inclusive growth.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he said.
The president noted that Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic positions but that Brazil has made progress through technology and food systems.
“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” Tinubu added.
He commended Nigerians in Brazil for their role in national development and urged them to contribute to building a stronger Nigeria.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges caused by current reforms but insisted they are necessary for long-term stability.
Referencing recent diplomatic engagements, the President said his administration is pursuing global partnerships in manufacturing, technology and cultural exchange.
He also expressed support for a cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.
Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Chika Emmanuel pledged the community’s support for development and highlighted an increase in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil from three to 296 within 18 months.
Responding to calls for new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urged patience, saying government is managing limited resources to keep foreign missions running.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with Brazil.
Kaduna State governor Uba Sani also said Nigeria is now attracting investors following reforms that cleared a $7 billion forex backlog and eliminated multiple exchange rates.
The meeting was anchored by Abike Dabiri, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and attended by deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, minister of information Mohammed Idris and minister of state for foreign affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
