Nigeria and Brazil are set to sign landmark bilateral agreements this week to strengthen cooperation in aviation, agriculture, and trade as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu undertakes a two-day state visit to Brasília at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The deals will see the restoration of direct flights between Lagos and Rio de Janeiro, with Brazil’s national carrier, Varig Air, partnering Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, under a new aviation pact. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will sign on behalf of the country.
In the agricultural sector, Brazil is committing fresh investments into Nigeria’s livestock industry, a priority area for President Tinubu following the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development. The partnership also covers mechanisation under the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Programme, which will supply 10,000 tractors and 50,000 pieces of farm equipment for local assembly. The initiative is expected to create over 100,000 direct jobs and five million indirect jobs.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Affairs, described the agreements as a “South-South synergy” that blends Brazil’s agricultural technology with Nigeria’s vast arable land and youthful workforce.
Bilateral trade between Nigeria and Brazil, valued at about $1.6 billion in 2023, has witnessed fluctuations in the past decade but remains relatively balanced. Nigeria exports oil, cocoa, sesame, and urea, while Brazil supplies machinery and poultry. Both countries aim to boost trade volumes to $3.5 billion by 2030.
Beyond agriculture and aviation, discussions are also ongoing in oil, gas, and renewable energy, with Brazilian companies such as Petrobras and Embraer considering new investments.
Tinubu’s trip marks his third visit to Brazil in the past year, following his participation in the G-20 Summit in November 2024 and the BRICS Summit in July 2025. It also builds on the June 2025 visit of Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to Abuja, where preliminary agreements were signed with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Officials say the fresh accords will deepen Nigeria–Brazil relations, enhance connectivity, strengthen food security, and unlock new avenues for investment, trade, and tourism.