President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, drawing lessons from the growth model of Brazil.
The President made this known on Tuesday during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Brazil, stressing that innovation, reform and inclusive growth will remain the pillars of his government’s agenda.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu said.
He noted that Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic foundations, but while Brazil had made remarkable progress in agriculture and technology, Nigeria was only beginning to fully harness its potential.
“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” the President declared.
praised the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as active stakeholders in rebuilding the nation through innovation, culture and shared responsibility.
Acknowledging the economic hardship caused by ongoing reforms, Tinubu likened the measures to “bitter medicine” necessary for long-term stability and prosperity.
The President also highlighted recent diplomatic engagements aimed at opening opportunities for Nigeria in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange. He threw his weight behind an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, describing it as proof of resilience and inspiration.
On concerns raised about opening additional consulates in Brazil, Tinubu appealed for patience, saying government was managing limited resources to sustain foreign missions effectively.
Diaspora Leaders, Lawmakers Commend President
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (Brazil Chapter), Chika Emmanuel, lauded Tinubu for deepening bilateral ties, pledging that the diaspora community would remain a strategic partner in national development. He revealed that the number of Nigerian postgraduate students in Brazil had grown from three to 296 within 18 months, mostly on scholarship.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as a “moment of historical significance,” citing centuries-old ties between Nigeria and Brazil that continue to shape cultural exchange.
Similarly, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the President’s economic reforms had begun restoring investor confidence. He noted that clearing a $7 billion forex backlog and unifying exchange rates had made Nigeria more attractive to foreign investors.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, encouraged Nigerians in São Paulo to continue using the existing liaison office until upgrades were completed.
The event was anchored by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and attended by senior government officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.
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