With the start of the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) in Abuja on Tuesday, June 24, Nigeria is ready to sign more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin of Brazil has arrived and is starting a three-day state visit, according to a statement issued Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
The visit’s goal is to improve bilateral ties between the two countries, according to the statement. The Memorandums of Understanding are expected to cover a wide range of strategic areas, including trade facilitation, industrial development, energy cooperation and transition projects, agricultural technology transfer, defense and security cooperation, cultural and educational exchange programs, and more.
Alckmin, his wife Maria Lúcia Alckmin, and the Brazilian group were welcomed at the State House Conference Center by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
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Alckmin was greeted by Nigerian governors, ministries, presidential aides, representatives of the Nigerian and Brazilian diplomatic corps, and Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President.
Other ministers in attendance included Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; and Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration will use this three-day event as a platform to draw in fresh investment, encourage technical collaboration, and open doors for more strategic commercial interactions.
Sen. Hadejia highlighted the strategic importance of fortifying connections with Brazil during the airport reception, calling the visit “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda.”
According to Hadejia, “this dialogue mechanism represents our commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our citizens.”
Brazil’s proficiency in industrial growth, agribusiness, and energy transition is a wonderful fit with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s transformation ambitions.
“More than thirty Memorandums of Understanding will be signed during the three-day summit in key areas, such as defense cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration, and cultural exchange programs,” Hadejia stated.
Highlights of the visit include: “Alckmin will be hosted by Vice President Kashim Shettima during his visit, which will include a number of collaborative events, such as the Strategic Dialogue opening ceremony on Tuesday morning at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
“The foreign ministers of Brazil and Nigeria will hold a joint press conference at the State House on Tuesday afternoon.
In honor of the Brazilian group, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima will host a Brazil Gala Dinner later that evening.
