President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s development through technology, innovation, and food security, drawing parallels with Brazil’s rapid transformation in similar areas.
Speaking on Tuesday in Brasilia during an interactive session with Nigerians resident in Brazil, the President described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral relations and learn from Brazil’s development successes.
“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” Tinubu declared.
He stressed that his reforms, though difficult, are necessary to put the economy on a sustainable path. “Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.
The President commended the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil for their contributions, describing them as “the pride of the nation” and urging them to see themselves as partners in building a stronger Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora, Brazil chapter, Chika Emmanuel, pledged the group’s active support for national development. He highlighted education as a key area of contribution, revealing that the number of Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil has risen from three to nearly 300 in just 18 months, all on scholarships.
Questions were also raised about the establishment of consulates in São Paulo and other cities. Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is carefully managing resources to keep foreign missions running effectively.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the event as “a moment of historical significance,” stressing the importance of rekindling Nigeria’s centuries-old cultural and historical ties with Brazil.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that clearing a $7 billion forex backlog and eliminating multiple exchange rates had restored investor confidence. “Today, Nigeria offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without unnecessary hurdles,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the event included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The meeting was anchored by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.