Shettima says both countries have moved from agreements to implementation, unlocking fresh export opportunities for Nigerian agricultural products and deeper bilateral trade.
Abuja: Nigeria and Brazil have taken a major step toward deepening bilateral economic relations by activating new agro-trade market access agreements expected to boost agricultural exports, attract private-sector investment and strengthen food security.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima hinted that the development marks the transition from diplomatic engagements to the practical implementation of agreements designed to unlock new commercial opportunities between both countries.
Speaking during a meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima described the initiative as a significant milestone in the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism.
“We have moved from negotiation to implementation, from promises to measurable progress. The private sector in both countries is now positioned to drive this partnership to greater heights,” he said.
The Vice-President said the partnership reflected President Bola Tinubu‘s commitment to economic diversification, agricultural transformation and expanding Nigeria’s export base through strategic international partnerships.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, youthful population and expanding market make the country an attractive destination for investment in agribusiness, livestock development and food processing.
Shettima said the implementation of reciprocal market access arrangements would create new opportunities for Nigerian producers while strengthening food systems and value chains.
Under the agreement, Brazil has opened its market to selected Nigerian agricultural products, including sesame, hibiscus and shea butter, while Nigeria is facilitating market access for approved Brazilian agricultural products under mutually agreed sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
He said the partnership would promote technology transfer, improve productivity and encourage greater private-sector participation across the agricultural value chain.
Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, described Nigeria as one of Brazil’s most strategic partners in Africa, expressing confidence that the implementation phase would significantly expand trade and investment between both countries.
He noted that Brazil was ready to share its expertise in tropical agriculture, livestock development, mechanisation and agricultural research to support Nigeria’s drive for food security and economic diversification.
Fávaro said both countries had laid a solid foundation for long-term cooperation that would benefit farmers, agribusinesses and consumers.
The market access agreement forms part of broader efforts under the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism to deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, energy, defence and other critical sectors.
Analysts say the agreement could significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports, enhance foreign exchange earnings and strengthen commercial ties with Latin America’s largest economy.
The development also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy by expanding agricultural exports, attracting investment and reducing dependence on crude oil revenues.
