NEWYORK CITY: Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has entered a new era of growth and renewed investor confidence under the bold leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose courage and far-reaching policies are reshaping the nation’s economic and development landscape.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa during a preparatory session with ministers and heads of agencies ahead of the second Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue, Shettima said Nigeria is on a trajectory of growth and stability that offers unprecedented opportunities across agriculture, energy, technology, infrastructure, culture, health, and defence.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria is reclaiming its rightful place on the global stage through clear-eyed reforms, strategic partnerships, and an unshakable commitment to national development.
“In President Bola Tinubu, we have a leader who has shown dexterity and the audacity to hope for a better tomorrow, Shettima declared.
What matters now is our ability to translate that vision into action, to build coherence in our policies, and to walk the talk in all engagements.
Shettima charged all ministries involved in the Nigeria-Brazil Dialogue to move beyond rhetoric and ensure technical clarity in their contributions.
He stressed that the discussions must reflect Nigeria’s national priorities while advancing tangible outcomes in food security, industrial growth, cultural diplomacy, security, and healthcare.
“The most important task before us, he said, is to actualize the dreams of our nation’s development. We have the resources, the knowledge, and the partners. What we need is determination and clarity of purpose.
Key Areas of Partnership and Development
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Agriculture & Food Security:
Minister Abubakar Kyari emphasized the dialogue as a springboard for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, reaffirming that food sovereignty is within reach. -
Culture & Creative Economy:
Hannatu Musawa revealed plans to deepen cultural diplomacy with Brazil’s Nigerian diaspora community while expanding Nigeria’s creative industries to global markets. -
Defence & Security Cooperation:
Minister Muhammad Badaru confirmed plans for a defence pact with Brazil, including joint ventures to build defence production centres in Nigeria. -
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals:
Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate said the partnership offers Nigeria access to Brazil’s experience in pharmaceuticals and vaccine production, key to building a resilient healthcare system. -
Agricultural Technology & Innovation:
Ms. Marion Moon underscored the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project as a landmark collaboration, bringing Brazilian expertise in large-scale farming, mechanization, and technology transfer. -
Livestock & Environment:
Contributions from the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and the Ministry of Environment, highlighted opportunities for modern livestock systems and sustainable environmental practices.
Beyond the Nigeria-Brazil partnership, Shettima framed the dialogue as a reflection of Nigeria’s broader strategy to reposition itself as a reliable partner in the Global South. He said the administration is building bridges of cooperation not only with Brazil, but with other strategic allies across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Our vision is to create a Nigeria that is competitive, productive, and inclusive, he said. “We are determined to build strong institutions, unlock investments, and transform the everyday realities of our people. This is about building a Nigeria that works, not just for today but for generations to come.
The upcoming Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue will be preceded by a high-level Trade and Investment Forum, coinciding with the official visit of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Brazil’s Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services.
