President Tinubu arrives in Brazil on state visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, on Monday to commence a state visit aimed at bolstering diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Brazil.

Upon arrival at the Brasília Air Base, President Tinubu was warmly received by senior Brazilian officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s ambassador to Nigeria.

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized the importance of the visit, noting that it presents an opportunity to enhance trade partnerships, foster cultural exchange, and deepen diplomatic collaboration between the two nations.

He said, “The official welcome ceremony, with full military honours, will take place on Monday at the Planalto Palace.

“The leaders will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference afterwards.”

Upon arrival, Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles, United States, was also met by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.

Other members of the Nigerian delegation, including ministers, heads of government agencies, and private sector leaders, later welcomed him at his hotel.

These officials are scheduled to participate in a series of bilateral talks and sign Memoranda of Understanding.

The official welcoming ceremony, complete with full military honours, is scheduled to take place on Monday at the Planalto Palace.

Following the ceremony, Tinubu will hold a private meeting with the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

This meeting will be followed by expanded bilateral meetings with senior officials from both governments.

The two leaders are expected to witness the signing of MoUs and address a joint press conference.

The visit marks another step in a series of high-level engagements that have deepened relations between Nigeria and Brazil since Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.

These include Tinubu’s participation in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July 2025 and the G20 Summit in November 2024, both held in Brazil.

The bilateral relationship, which dates back to the early 1960s, has recently focused on key areas such as agriculture and defence.

Recent agreements, including a defence cooperation pact and a strategic dialogue mechanism, underscore the commitment of both nations to expand their partnership.

The visit is expected to build on initiatives like the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Programme (GIP) and the $2.5 billion JBS investment, both of which aim to boost Nigeria’s food security and create jobs.