President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across key sectors of both economies.

Tinubu said Lula’s renewed mandate presented an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Brazil, particularly in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, science and technology.

The President conveyed his congratulations in a message he personally signed on Monday in Abuja, describing Lula as a friend and expressing optimism that his re-election would further consolidate diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

“I congratulate my friend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on his re-election for a record fourth term.

“Your renewed mandate offers an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Brazil, dating back to 1961,” Tinubu said.

The Nigerian leader emphasised the strategic importance of closer cooperation between the two countries, describing them as influential nations of the Global South with significant potential to advance economic development and international collaboration.

According to him, stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil would promote economic integration, advance shared interests and enable both countries to respond more effectively to emerging global challenges.

“As two leading nations of the Global South, we can promote economic integration and advance our shared interests in a rapidly changing global order,” he said.

Tinubu listed trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation and cultural exchange among the priority areas in which Nigeria seeks to expand cooperation with Brazil.

“I look forward to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation, and cultural exchange,” the President stated.

He noted that enhanced engagement across these sectors would provide opportunities for both countries to strengthen their economic partnership while advancing mutual interests.

The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and promote common priorities affecting Africa, South America and other developing regions.

Tinubu said sustained collaboration between the two countries remained important in advancing their shared economic and diplomatic objectives amid changes in the international order.

“I affirm Nigeria’s continued commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa, South America, and across the Global South,” he said.

The President concluded by conveying the goodwill of the Nigerian government and people to Lula, wishing him success as he prepares to begin another term in office.

“On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I wish you a successful new term in office,” Tinubu added.