The Nigerian Presidency has come out to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s frequent trips to Brazil.
This is coming following “disingenuous reportage” on the President’s travel to the South American country after his participation in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan.
The President has visited Brazil “three” times in less than twelve (12) months.
The report says, President Tinubu is “obsessed” with Brazil, a claim the Presidency accepted, however, clarified, “It is an obsession in pursuit of economic partnerships and opportunities for Nigeria”.
The Presidency through Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, clarified on X: “Nigeria: Why Brazil, Yes Brazil
“Three visits in less than a year. That is not mere coincidence, it is deliberate strategy. And as usual, disingenuous reportage from a section of the press is insinuating some obsession of President Tinubu with Brazil. Well, Yes. But It is an obsession in pursuit of economic partnerships and opportunities for Nigeria. And that’s what visionary leaders do.
“The deeper truth, however, lies in a deliberate arc of diplomacy — one that connects Nigeria’s voice in global governance to concrete opportunities for investment, trade, and cooperation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will undertake his third visit to Brazil from August 24–25, 2025, at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, one of our biggest supporters and partners.
“This two-day State Visit will feature bilateral meetings, a Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum with leading investors, and the signing of key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation across agriculture, energy, technology, aviation, renewable energy and cultural exchange.
“A strategic Arc -From G20 to BRICS to a State Visit:
“The first visit of President Tinubu to Brazil was in November 2024: for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Rio de Janeiro from November 18-19, 2024. The President was at the summit which focused on ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,’ a gathering that was convened to tackle major global challenges like poverty, hunger, energy transition, and sustainable development.
“At that forum, Tinubu gracefully advocated for reforming global governance structures, continuing Nigeria’s long-standing call for fairer representation of developing nations in decision-making institutions.
“The sophomore visit was barely a month ago from 6th-7th of July for the BRICS Summit, in Brasília. At this 17th BRICS Summit, President Tinubu participated as the leader of a Partner Country- a membership category short of full status but significant, nonetheless.
“This BRICS summit focused on ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’ with discussions centering on social, economic, and environmental development. President Tinubu’s message rang out clearly : Nigeria cannot remain a passive observer in the evolving global order — it must be an active shaper of a fairer and more inclusive system.
““Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare”.
“And now, this august visit in August 2025- this State Visit marks the transition from diplomacy to deals. Beyond dialogue, the focus will be activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing joint initiatives like the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanization project and securing new flows of FDI into Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors. It is also about deepening political trust, expanding cultural exchange, and harnessing shared opportunities in renewable energy, climate resilience, and digital transformation.
“Why Nigeria and Brazil Must Work Together
“Brazil is Latin America’s largest economy and a global agricultural powerhouse. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies with vast arable land and a young, dynamic population. Both are leaders of the Global South with converging aspirations in South–South cooperation.
“Together, we face common challenges — and opportunities:
• Food Security: Brazil’s advanced mechanization and Nigeria’s fertile land create a powerful synergy.
• Climate Change & Energy Transition: Both countries share vulnerabilities, requiring joint innovation in renewables and green finance.
• Global Trade Realignment: With uncertainties around U.S. AGOA renewal, BRICS-linked trade and currency channels are becoming vital.”
