President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate all barriers stalling Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in livestock production, in a push towards food sovereignty and global exports.
‎
‎The president made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
‎
‎A statement on the event was issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
‎
‎The president said that excessive bureaucracy had delayed progress in agriculture, and Nigeria was undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.
‎
‎He highlighted agriculture as a key area where Nigeria holds a natural competitive advantage that can be unlocked through smart partnerships.
‎
‎Tinubu assured Brazil that all technical bottlenecks in bilateral agreements would be removed to fast-track trade, energy, mining, and agricultural cooperation.
‎
‎’All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration,” Tinubu said.
‎
‎He praised Brazil’s agricultural research leadership, calling the South American giant a model in food production and export.
‎
‎On livestock, Tinubu said Nigeria was scaling up investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to boost food supply and job creation.
‎
‎He added that Nigeria’s blue economy offered strong potential for long-term collaboration with Brazil in marine and aquatic resources.
‎
‎The president called for immediate action, stating that both federal and state governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide.
‎
‎He stressed that state governments play a critical role in turning agriculture into a major source of employment and national revenue.
‎
‎Da Silva echoed Tinubu’s urgency, promising to regularise and update all agreements when Tinubu visits Brazil again.
‎
‎He called for the removal of bureaucracy and promised Brazil’s institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems.
‎
‎Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.
‎
‎Kyari pointed to Nigeria’s edge in fertiliser production as a ready-made asset for agricultural growth.
‎
‎Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, identified three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation; animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.
‎
‎Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, said that
‎the planned Nigeria-Brazil business forum would inject new ideas and investment into the sector.
‎
‎Onanuga stated that Governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos State were present, reinforcing sub-national support for Tinubu’s agri-drive.
‎
‎Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) also participated in the bilateral meeting.