Nigeria is on a new growth trajectory and ready for investments across various sectors due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s well-thought-out policies, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima. This announcement comes ahead of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. Brazil's Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, is scheduled to lead a delegation of top executives on a state visit to Nigeria for the second session of the dialogue, marking its return after a decade-long hiatus.

During an update meeting with ministers and agency heads at the Presidential Villa, Shettima emphasized President Tinubu's leadership, noting his “dexterity” and “audacity to hope for a better tomorrow.” He expressed satisfaction with the ministers' understanding of key sectors for the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, urging all involved to prepare adequately with clarity, strategic coherence, and a deep understanding of the issues to be discussed.

Shettima called on the ministers to take charge of the discussions and drive the process by engaging with strategic focus groups for weekly updates, ensuring readiness for the Brazilian delegation's visit. He underscored the importance of actualizing the nation's development dreams, leveraging resources and institutional knowledge.

Highlighting similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, the Vice President emphasized leveraging opportunities in the partnership to achieve Nigeria’s vision in agriculture, culture, tourism, livestock production, and military technology. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, noted the dialogue as a chance to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector to achieve food sovereignty. He stated that agriculture would play a major role in the partnership, providing an opportunity for Nigeria to catch up with the rest of the world.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pointed out the cultural significance of the partnership, noting the large population of Nigerian descent in Brazil. She mentioned plans to actively engage Brazil, expand beyond cultural diplomacy, rebuild the Nigerian House in Brazil, and host an annual Orisha Festival. Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, disclosed that preparations are underway to sign a defense agreement with Brazil, engaging them on defense industry development to start production centers in Nigeria. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, highlighted healthcare opportunities, noting Brazil's capacity to produce pharmaceuticals and vaccines, aligning with Nigeria's goal to unlock the healthcare value chain and manufacture vaccines and diagnostics.

Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Ms. Marion Moon, indicated Brazil’s agricultural expertise offers insights for development, citing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project as an example of the relationship's potential to revolutionize Nigerian agriculture through modernization and technology transfer. The strategic dialogue will be preceded by a Trade and Investment Forum, coinciding with Vice President Alckmin's visit.

Separately, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and his team for their efforts in managing the nation’s economy. During a visit by the Minister and the ministry's management, Mrs. Tinubu expressed readiness to host spouses of Heads of Governments attending the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), showcasing Nigeria. Edun reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to stabilizing the economy, making manufacturing and export competitive globally. He noted improvements such as stabilising inflation, crashing food prices and petroleum prices coming down.

Edun highlighted that foreign exchange reforms and improvements make Nigeria more competitive, especially in manufacturing exports such as pharmaceuticals, health products, beauty products, textiles, and agriculture, particularly within West Africa and across the continent.