Tinubu Arrives In Brazil For State Visit To Strengthen Diplomatic And Economic Ties

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Brasília on Monday to begin a state visit focused on boosting Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with Brazil.

He was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s envoy to Nigeria. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, was also on hand to welcome him.

In a statement, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga said the visit would feature a formal welcome ceremony at the Planalto Palace, complete with full military honours. Tinubu will then hold a private meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, followed by expanded bilateral talks.

Both leaders are expected to witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference. Nigerian ministers, agency heads and private sector leaders in the delegation will also participate in sector-specific discussions.

The trip builds on recent high-level engagements, including Tinubu’s participation in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July 2025 and the G20 Summit in November 2024, both held in Brazil. Nigeria-Brazil relations, dating back to the early 1960s, have recently centred on agriculture and defence, with agreements such as a defence cooperation pact and a strategic dialogue mechanism.

The visit is expected to advance initiatives like the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Programme and the $2.5 billion JBS investment, designed to strengthen food security and create jobs in Nigeria.