Nigeria and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic bilateral cooperation as top-level officials from both countries convened for the second edition of the Nigeria-Brazil Vice Presidential Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) in Abuja on Monday.
The meeting, hosted by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, marks a renewed focus on collaborative development efforts between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s regional powerhouse.
Originally established in 2013 in Brasília, the SDM serves as a structured platform to drive cooperation in key sectors including trade and investment, agriculture, defence and intelligence, health, energy, climate change, and cultural exchange.
“This event marks another epoch in the bilateral relations of our two countries,” Ambassador Tuggar stated in his opening remarks, highlighting the value of private sector engagement and people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening diplomatic ties.
Tuggar lauded the enduring relationship between the two nations, which dates back to the 1960s, and acknowledged the contributions of seasoned diplomats such as Brazil’s Ambassador Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima and Nigeria’s Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, whose early efforts laid the groundwork for today’s growing partnership.
He emphasized the significance of the Green Imperative Project — a landmark initiative on agricultural mechanization — as one of the visible outcomes of the dialogue mechanism, now gaining renewed momentum under the current administration.
The Brazilian Vice President, His Excellency Geraldo Alckmin, is leading his country’s delegation at the dialogue, which is expected to result in a joint communiqué outlining fresh frameworks for engagement, South-South cooperation, and sustainable development.
Ambassador Tuggar described both Vice President Alckmin and Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima as accomplished statesmen and former governors who are well-positioned to strengthen political and economic synergy between both nations.
“Our two nations have consistently offered practical solutions that benefit both sides. Another boom period in the Atlantic world is in the offing — and Nigeria and Brazil bestride it,” Tuggar stated.
The ongoing discussions aim to enhance Nigeria-Brazil trade volumes, foster mutual defence cooperation, and explore joint climate adaptation strategies — aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Brazil’s focus on inclusive development.
The SDM in Abuja is expected to culminate in actionable agreements that will elevate diplomatic relations and open new doors for cross-continental investment and innovation.
