President Bola Tinubu has promised to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, aligning with the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.
According to a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu, who spoke on Tuesday when he met with a cross section of Nigerians resident in Brazil, President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth.
We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu declared.
Tinubu described his visit to Brazil as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw inspiration from the impressive development trajectory of the South American country, noting that both nations once shared similar economic starting points.
According to the President, “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.”
Commending the Nigerian diaspora community, Tinubu urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.
“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 said.
The Nigerian leader acknowledged the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, insisting that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.
“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” Tinubu explained.
The President emphasised the importance of global alliances to unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, citing recent diplomatic shuttles.
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Tinubu expressed support for an impending expedition with Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural programme he started while serving as Lagos State governor.
“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,” Tinubu affirmed.
He made a passionate appeal to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to cultivate unity, peace, and passion in order to build a Nigeria that everyone can be proud to call home.
Earlier, Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Brazilian Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, praised the president for strengthening links between Nigeria and Brazil and pledged the diaspora’s active support for national progress.
He underlined the diaspora’s importance as a development partner, citing the increase of Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.
“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 have actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and, of course, looking for direct investment back home.
“To be able to do that, I’ve also recognised, Your Excellency, sir, that human resources in terms of education are what we strongly need to be able to prepare the younger ones for tomorrow so that they can return home and participate.
“What I have done, Your Excellency, is that in the past one and a half years 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.”
In response to questions from Nigerians in Brazil regarding opening consulates in São Paulo and other places, President Tinubu encouraged patience. He explained that the government is carefully managing limited resources to keep foreign missions working properly.
Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, described President Tinubu’s meeting with the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil as momentous, ushering in a new chapter in Nigeria’s interaction with the international community.
He emphasised the importance of rekindling the historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil, which have been built through migration and cultural interaction over centuries.
The Speaker also praised Tinubu’s efforts to deepen bilateral ties with Brazil, adding that recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives had paved the way for future collaborations between the two countries.
Kaduna State governor Uba Sani, who spoke on behalf of governors on Tinubu’s delegation, praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.
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.”
According to Sani, Nigeria now offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or foreign exchange crises.
He cited the elimination of numerous currency rates and enhanced transparency in the financial sector as major elements in increasing investor confidence.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, advised Nigerians in São Paulo and adjacent areas to continue using the present liaison office until essential renovations are done.
The meeting, led by Abike Dabiri, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, was attended by top government officials, including Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
