President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that Nigeria will take decisive steps to secure its place at the forefront of Africa’s progress through technology, food security and bold reforms.
The President made the pledge during a meeting with Nigerians in Brazil on Tuesday, describing his visit as a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and draw lessons from the South American country’s development journey.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu declares.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu declares.
Learning from Brazil’s growth path
Tinubu reflected on the economic history of both nations, noting that Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar starting points. “Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” the President stressed.
He praised the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil for their resilience and diversity, urging them to see themselves as vital contributors to national renewal. “You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he noted.
Reforms as ‘bitter medicine’
On the current economic climate, Tinubu acknowledges the hardship faced by citizens but insisted reforms are crucial for long-term recovery. “Yes, the reforms are tough – like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” the President explains.
He points to ongoing diplomatic engagements as part of efforts to attract partnerships in manufacturing, technology and culture. Referencing Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s forthcoming cultural voyage, he remarks: “If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now.”
Diaspora pledges support
Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, commends the administration’s outreach and pledged diaspora support. “What we’re saying, sir, is that here through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development. In that regard, we have started, we actually have been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home,” he says.
Emmanuel also drew attention to the academic progress of Nigerians in Brazil. “In the past one year and a half since after my election, we had three PhD students at that time. And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil. And all on scholarships, sir,” he reveals.
Responding to questions on consular services in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urges patience, explaining that government is “meticulously managing limited resources to keep foreign missions running efficiently.”
Officials back president’s vision
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, describes the engagement as “a moment of great historical significance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community.” He further observed that centuries-old ties between Nigeria and Brazil must be rekindled.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State applauds Tinubu’s reforms, highlighting the clearance of a $7 billion forex backlog. “In the past, it was almost impossible to convince any investor to come to Nigeria, but just last year, Mr. President cleared a $7 billion forex backlog, a major intervention,” the governor points out. He adds that the removal of multiple exchange rates and improved financial transparency had restored investor confidence.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, advises Nigerians in São Paulo to continue using the existing liaison office until planned upgrades are completed.
The meeting was anchored by Abike Dabiri, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and attended by Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President, Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor and Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.
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