Brazil’s $1bn Agric Deal To Transform Farming In Nigeria — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the $1 billion Green Imperative Programme, backed by the government of Brazil, will transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector by ushering in a new era of mechanised farming, job creation, and food security.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving the Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, President Tinubu said the initiative marks a shift from policy intentions to practical implementation aimed at revamping Nigeria’s farming landscape.

“The landmark $1 billion Green Imperative Programme, a bilateral agricultural mechanisation initiative anchored by our Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and private sector stakeholders, is set to revolutionise our farming systems,” the President said.

According to Tinubu, the programme will drive widespread technology transfer, establish service and training centres nationwide, and boost Nigeria’s capacity to feed itself and the rest of Africa.

Joined by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the high-level engagement, President Tinubu said the renewed partnership with Brazil reflects shared values and a mutual ambition for people-centred development.

“Our engagement with Brazil is no longer about goodwill alone—it is now about action. We are two large democracies with shared values and vast potential. Through initiatives like this, we are moving from talk to tangible outcomes,” he said.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Brazil in key sectors including agribusiness, trade, defence, healthcare, energy transition, and innovation.

President Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria will participate actively in the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, as part of efforts to deepen ties in climate action and environmental resilience.

On the broader economic front, the President emphasised that Nigeria’s current macroeconomic reforms—including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—are laying the groundwork for stronger investment flows and sustainable growth.

“We are building a resilient economy backed by structural reforms and private sector partnerships. Brazil’s experience in agriculture and renewable energy presents clear opportunities for cooperation,” he said.

President Tinubu also commended Brazilian firms such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and food systems and praised Brazil’s humanitarian support to internally displaced persons.

Echoing the spirit of partnership, President Tinubu concluded the meeting with a message of unity in Portuguese: “Juntos somos mais fortes” — ‘together we are stronger.’