Foreign Affairs Minister Seeks Stronger Nigeria–Brazil Trade Ties
By Umar Farouk Bala,
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for the revitalization of trade relations between Nigeria and Brazil.
He urged both nations to leverage their shared history, cultural affinity, and economic strengths to foster deeper bilateral ties.
Tuggar made the call while addressing high-profile investors and business leaders at the Brazil–Nigeria Business Roundtable in Rio de Janeiro.
The forum was convened under the auspices of ApexBrasil—Brazil’s investment promotion agency—in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES).
According to Tuggar, both countries have immense potential to strengthen their economic engagement, particularly in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, aviation, and digital technology.
He stressed that Nigeria is committed to creating a conducive environment for investment by undertaking reforms, de-risking ventures, and facilitating strategic, long-term partnerships.
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“Our countries share a legacy of cooperation. Now is the time to translate that legacy into tangible economic progress,” the Minister said.
“Nigeria presents vast opportunities and is ready to partner with Brazilian businesses willing to innovate and invest.”
The roundtable attracted key Brazilian stakeholders including José Luis Pinho Leite Gordon of BNDES; Raphael Cittadino of ApexBrasil; and Marcelo Salum from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Major corporations such as Petrobras and Embraer were also represented.
Speaking on behalf of the Brazilian government, Marcelo Salum highlighted Brazil’s interest in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, including its unicorn startups.
He also emphasized mutual opportunities in agricultural technology through initiatives like the Green Imperative Project and expansion of sugar and ethanol trade.
Ambassador Basil Okolo, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Brazil, and Ms. Aisha Rimi, CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), also participated in the forum, with Rimi joining virtually.
The event signals renewed efforts by both nations to deepen economic cooperation, enhance private sector participation, and build resilient trade frameworks that benefit their populations.
