President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate barriers stalling Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in livestock production, in a push towards food sovereignty and global exports.
The president made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
A statement on the event was issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, from the event to journalists in Abuja.
The president said that excessive bureaucracy delayed progress in agriculture, and Nigeria was undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.
He highlighted agriculture as a key area where Nigeria holds a natural competitive advantage that can be unlocked through smart partnerships.
Mr Tinubu assured Brazil that all technical bottlenecks in bilateral agreements would be removed to fast-track trade, energy, mining, and agricultural cooperation.
He stated, “All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration.”
He praised Brazil’s agricultural research leadership, labelling the South American giant a model in food production and export.
On livestock, Mr Tinubu said Nigeria was scaling up investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to boost food supply and job creation.
He added that Nigeria’s blue economy offered strong potential for long-term collaboration with Brazil in marine and aquatic resources.
The president called for immediate action, stating that both federal and state governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide.
He stressed that state governments play a critical role in turning agriculture into a major source of employment and national revenue.
Mr Da Silva echoed Mr Tinubu’s urgency, promising to regularise and update agreements when Mr Tinubu visits Brazil again.
He called for the removal of bureaucracy and promised Brazil’s institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems.
Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed Mr Tinubu’s commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.
Mr Kyari pointed to Nigeria’s edge in fertiliser production as a ready-made asset for agricultural growth.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idris Maiha, identified three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation; animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.
Also, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said that the planned Nigeria-Brazil business forum would inject new ideas and investment into the sector.
The statement noted that governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos states were present, reinforcing sub-national support for Mr Tinubu’s agri-drive.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, also participated in the bilateral meeting.
(NAN)
