Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has applauded the over $1 billion Nigeria-Brazil Green Imperative Agricultural Initiative. Shettima made the commendation during the opening session of the 2nd Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism at the Presidential Villa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s renewed strategic alliance with Brazil, emphasizing mutual respect and practical cooperation. The vice-president highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two nations, which is defined not by geography but by common ambitions and shared dreams.
Shettima expressed that the partnership represents a shared vision between two major democracies committed to achieving practical outcomes and mutual prosperity. He emphasized the transformational impact of the Green Imperative Project, which aims to deploy over $1 billion to deliver mechanized farming equipment, training, and service centers across Nigeria. This initiative is expected to create jobs, increase productivity, and support Nigeria’s ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to economic reforms, Shettima noted the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of the exchange rate, and the implementation of a new business facilitation regime. These steps, he asserted, are restoring market credibility and financial discipline, laying the foundation for a projected $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Shettima also called for enhanced cooperation in security, health, education, and innovation. He stressed the importance of promoting access, quality, and inclusion, especially through initiatives like student loan schemes and digital learning platforms. He urged both nations to focus on practical steps for progress, transforming aspirations into execution and promises into proof.
Brazil’s Vice-President, Geraldo Alckmin, highlighted the strengthened Brazil-Nigeria partnership, anchored on shared values and a concrete results agenda. He acknowledged Nigeria’s participation in the 2nd Brazil-Africa dialogue on food security and emphasized the importance of cooperation on climate issues, inviting Nigeria to the forthcoming COP30 in Bel©m.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that the event marked a significant epoch in Nigeria-Brazil bilateral relations, with both countries sharing a commitment to strengthening cooperation. The strategic dialogue, initiated in 2013, aims to deepen ties with a focus on economic and social development.
Carlos Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, reiterated the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. He explained that Brazil’s reintegration into the global stage, with a focus on Africa, is a top priority for Brazilian President Luiz In¡cio Lula da Silva.