Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria and Brazil are united by a common heritage and shared purpose, as he officially opened the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue in Abuja, yesterday.

Welcoming Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his delegation to Nigeria, Shettima described the partnership between the two nations as a model for South-South cooperation, grounded in mutual respect and pragmatic ambition.

“With the largest Afro-Brazilian population in the world after Nigeria, Brazil is more than a distant ally; we are cultural siblings,” Shettima said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s emerging demographic influence on the global stage, noting its current population of over 230 million and projections to become the third most populous country by 2050, and the most populous by the end of the century.

“Our strategic trajectory, especially in global health and human development, is increasingly African,” Shettima added. The Vice President emphasised that the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue was not a ceremonial gathering, but a working platform built to drive implementation, collaboration, and tangible progress across key sectors.

“Today’s dialogue is built not just on diplomacy, but on structure. Our working groups are not mere task teams, they are the custodians of implementation,” he stated.

Shettima called on all participants, government officials, ministers and technical teams to approach the dialogue with discipline, purpose, and a readiness to coordinate across sectors, including agriculture, health, trade, defence, education, and energy.

“As we move forward, let us listen first, ask the right questions, and build the habits of coordination that this strategic partnership requires,” he urged. He commended Brazil’s progressive stance on global development and inclusive cooperation.

“While parts of the world retreat into isolation, Brazil continues to lead with creativity and openness,” he said. While delivering the opening remarks at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tugger, declared that Shettima’s place in history was “already assured,” citing his dynamic career as a two-time governor, banker, agronomist, senator, and now Vice President.

Tugger drew a symbolic comparison with Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, a former governor of São Paulo State, home to 44 million people and Brazil’s largest economic hub.

WHILE the meeting lasts, Nigeria will sign about 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil as the Second Session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) kicked off in Abuja yesterday.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this via a statement announcing the arrival of Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, to begin the high-profile three-day state visit, aimed at deepening bilateral ties between both countries.

In his statement, he noted that the strategic meeting was expected to culminate in the signing of 30 MoUs, covering a broad range of strategic sectors, including defence and security cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration and transition initiatives, cultural and educational exchange programmes and trade facilitation and industrial development.

Speaking at the airport reception for the visiting Brazilian official, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, hailed the visit as a pivotal moment for the country and highlighted the significance of partnerships with global South nations like Brazil. He added that the visit represented the country’s commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

According to him, Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, energy transition and industrial development aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation priorities.

The Brazilian delegation was received by top Nigerian officials, including Senator Hadejia; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.