President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s development through technology, food security, and innovation, drawing lessons from Brazil’s economic success.
Speaking in Brasilia during a meeting with Nigerians living in Brazil, the President said his visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and learning from Brazil’s development model.
“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” Tinubu said.
He described the diaspora community as key partners in nation-building, urging them to contribute to Nigeria’s transformation. “You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity and commitment reflect the Nigeria we are working to build,” he added.
Acknowledging the hardship caused by ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu said the measures were necessary for long-term stability. “Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he stated.
The President also referenced cultural diplomacy efforts, including an upcoming project involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, which he said would further strengthen Nigeria’s global image.
On concerns about the opening of more Nigerian consulates in Brazil, Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government was managing limited resources to sustain foreign missions effectively.
Also at the meeting, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the engagement as historic, stressing the need to rekindle Nigeria’s deep-rooted cultural ties with Brazil.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, speaking on behalf of governors on the delegation, praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that clearing a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog had boosted investor confidence. He added that the elimination of multiple exchange rates had improved transparency in the financial system.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians in São Paulo and nearby areas to continue using the existing liaison office until upgrades are completed.
Earlier, Chuka Emmanuel, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora (Brazil chapter), pledged support for Nigeria’s development, highlighting the rising number of Nigerian scholars in Brazil. According to him, the diaspora had grown from three PhD students to nearly 300 in less than two years, with most on scholarships.
The event, anchored by the Chair of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was attended by senior government officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.
