Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria and Brazil have moved from diplomatic discussions to implementing their agriculture and livestock partnership, with market access now secured for private sector trade between both countries.
Speaking at the Nigeria–Brazil Agro-Trade Market Access Milestone meeting in Abuja, Shettima said the partnership had progressed from agreements to practical implementation, allowing businesses in both countries to begin trading under the new framework.
According to him, the achievements recorded under the Nigeria–Brazil Agro-Trade Initiative demonstrate that diplomatic commitments are now producing measurable economic results.
He added that the success followed President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil and reflected the commitment of both governments to deepen agricultural cooperation.
Shettima disclosed that the Joint Agriculture and Livestock Technical Working Group is now operational, with specialised teams focusing on dairy and livestock genetics, soybean production, agricultural policy and agro-climatic risk management.
He recalled that President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had directed officials to increase agricultural trade, investment and technical cooperation between both countries.
According to him, the latest market access milestones are the first major outcomes of that directive.
The Vice President also commended Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André Carlos Alves de Paula Filho, for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
He further welcomed Brazil’s decision to appoint an Agricultural Attaché to Abuja and expand the activities of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), describing the move as a boost to technical collaboration.
Speaking at the meeting, André Carlos Alves de Paula Filho said Brazil was finalising the phytosanitary certification process required to allow the import of Nigerian agricultural products, including hibiscus, sesame and shea butter.
He added that Brazil would also connect Nigerian exporters with potential buyers to create commercial opportunities in the Brazilian market.
Also speaking, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi pledged his state’s support for the partnership, noting that Jigawa accounts for about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari said the agreement reached by Presidents Tinubu and Lula was already boosting agricultural trade between the two countries and would accelerate the export of Nigerian agricultural products to Brazil.
