*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*<\/p>\n
*VP Shettima: We’re Undergoing Quiet But Bold Transformation Under President Tinubu*<\/p>\n
** *Nigeria, Brazil rejig strategic alliance to boost trade, clean energy, agric, others at business forum*<\/p>\n
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria is currently witnessing a silent but resolute transformation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.<\/p>\n
This is coming just as Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have tweaked their strategic alliance to advance economic development in key sectors, including agriculture, food security infrastructure, clean energy, trade and industry, among others.<\/p>\n
Senator Shettima who spoke on Wednesday during the Nigeria\u2013Brazil Business Forum tagged, “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria\u2013Brazil Corridor”, on day three of the Nigeria\u2013Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), in Abuja, said the renewed strategic alliance with Brazil is grounded in intent, and rich in the potential for mutual growth.<\/p>\n
According to him, Brazil\u2019s journey, especially the strides in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and industrial development, speaks to ongoing transformation in Nigeria, and reflects “what is possible when technical capacity is matched with national determination.<\/p>\n
“These are the same areas where Nigeria is making bold moves. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation. Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused.<\/p>\n
“And what drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform\u2019s sake. What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us,” he stated.<\/p>\n
Underscoring the need for the strategic alliance with Brazil, VP Shettima noted that Nigeria is embarking on a journey similar to that of the South American country, particularly in agriculture, as well as the transformation through sustained investment in research, modernisation and support for farmers.<\/p>\n
His words: “Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are taking form. Our farmers are ready to operate at scale. But we know the difference between going alone and going far. Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation, in training and in investment.<\/p>\n
“We are equally attentive to your leadership in clean energy. Nigeria\u2019s energy transition is rooted in what we can control. We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil\u2019s example provides guidance that is real and tested.<\/p>\n
“We are eager to learn from your experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs, supports industries and expands access to rural communities. Our teams are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice, from ideas to infrastructure.”<\/p>\n
The Nigerian Vice President further disclosed that Nigeria is encouraged by Brazil\u2019s interest in skills development and human capital, saying it aligns perfectly with one of the most pressing national goals, which is to ensure that the youthful country is prepared for future demands.<\/p>\n
“We welcome the opportunity for institutional partnerships that promote training, research and the exchange of knowledge in sectors where Brazil has built strength, and in areas where Nigeria is gaining ground,” he added.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the Vice President of Brazil, H.E. Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil\u2019s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through long-term cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.<\/p>\n
VP Alckmin described the moment as \u201cone of the most promising\u201d in the history of Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a necessary complement to deepen our relationship. We want this moment to correspond to the production of sustainable partnerships for our people,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the potential in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, innovation, and energy, Alckmin acknowledged that despite the strong historic and cultural ties, trade volumes between both countries are still much lower than the potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
He also spoke on the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI), a $1.1 billion programme to transfer Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria, as a model of transformative South-South cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrazil does not just export products, but solutions and ideas,\u201d Alckmin said, adding that under President Lula\u2019s administration, Brazil has simplified its tax regime and is exploring a direct flight route to Nigeria to ease business travel and trade.<\/p>\n
On Nigeria\u2019s side, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, called for a reset in the bilateral trade dynamic, lamenting the current $2 billion trade volume, down from $9 billion a decade ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,\u201d she urged.<\/p>\n
Dr Oduwole outlined Nigeria\u2019s priority sectors for investment, including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals. She also revealed efforts by the Nigerian government to streamline investor engagement through a digital portal tracking live project pipelines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are serious about institutional delivery. Our agencies\u2014NEPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI\u2014are working as one team,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
Also speaking, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zarah Mustapha, emphasised state-level reforms as critical to unlocking sub-national investments. At the same time, NIPC\u2019s representative, Mrs Victoria Aigbedion, reiterated Nigeria\u2019s commitment to creating a regulatory climate attractive to investors, especially in mining, infrastructure, creative industries, and logistics.<\/p>\n
Members of the Brazilian business delegation who spoke at the forum expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria\u2019s investment landscape and long-term investment possibilities.<\/p>\n
*Stanley Nkwocha*
\n*Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications*
\n*(Office of The Vice President)*
\n*25th June, 2025*<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE* *VP Shettima: We’re Undergoing Quiet But Bold Transformation Under President Tinubu* ** *Nigeria, Brazil rejig strategic alliance to boost trade, clean energy, agric, others at business forum* The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria is currently witnessing a silent but resolute transformation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":146631,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,2,323,20],"tags":[1501,267,1500,1499],"class_list":{"0":"post-146630","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-economy","8":"category-featured","9":"category-international","10":"category-the-nation","11":"tag-bold-transformation","12":"tag-president-tinubu","13":"tag-undergoing","14":"tag-vp-shettima"},"yoast_head":"\n