Nigeria and Brazil have opened a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations as the second session of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) commenced in Abuja on Tuesday. The high-level meeting, which marks a significant step in fostering bilateral cooperation, is expected to produce the signing of over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key strategic sectors.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday to lead his country’s delegation for a three-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties.
Alckmin, accompanied by his wife, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, and senior government officials, was warmly received by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The reception was attended by top government functionaries, including Deputy Chief of Staff.
the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; state governors; ministers; presidential aides; and members of both the Nigerian and Brazilian diplomatic corps.
The visit, officials say, will pave the way for enhanced strategic collaborations in areas such as defence and security cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy development and transition initiatives, cultural and educational exchange programmes, and industrial growth.
Senator Hadejia, speaking during the airport reception, described the visit as a “pivotal moment” in actualising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening South-South partnerships that deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
“Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, clean energy, and industrial advancement aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s strategic development goals. This dialogue mechanism represents our resolve to translate diplomatic engagements into tangible economic opportunities,” he noted.
Over the course of the summit, both countries are expected to formalize more than 30 agreements designed to boost technical cooperation, attract new investments, and open fresh pathways for trade and industrial development.
Key highlights of the visit include the official opening ceremony of the Strategic Dialogue, held Tuesday morning at the State House, followed by a joint press conference by Nigeria’s and Brazil’s Foreign Ministers in the afternoon. The day’s activities will be rounded off with a Nigeria–Brazil Gala Dinner hosted by Vice President Shettima in honour of the visiting Brazilian delegation.
Among top officials present were the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The three-day event is positioned as a major opportunity for Nigeria to harness Brazil’s technical expertise and global partnerships to advance national priorities in agriculture, energy, and industrialisation.
