Shettima: We Want Partners, Not Donors, as Nigeria Deepens Brazil Ties

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is undergoing a “quiet but resolute transformation” under President Bola Tinubu, as the country deepens economic ties with Brazil across key sectors.

Shettima made the remark at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum in Abuja on Wednesday, describing the Tinubu administration’s reforms as deliberate and far-reaching, even if understated.

“Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused,” he said. “What we seek are partners who see our direction… and are prepared to walk the path with us.”

The forum, themed “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor”, marked the third day of a bilateral dialogue aimed at reviving strategic alliances between both countries, especially in agriculture, energy, trade and industrial development.

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VP Shettima pointed to Brazil’s experience in agro-industrial transformation and clean energy as models for Nigeria’s own ambitions.

“Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are taking form… Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation,” he said.

Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin described the moment as “one of the most promising” in the countries’ commercial relations, citing agriculture, innovation and energy as priority sectors. “Brazil does not just export products, but solutions and ideas,” Alckmin said.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, lamented the dip in trade volume—down to $2 billion from $9 billion a decade ago—and called for a practical reset.

“Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,” she urged.

The renewed partnership is expected to drive investment in agro-processing, clean energy and digital infrastructure, with institutional reforms and a $1.1 billion Green Imperative Initiative anchoring the cooperation.