Nigeria and Brazil Deepen Ties with Landmark MoU
Nigeria and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology, and Innovation aimed at unlocking new opportunities for jobs, industries, and research collaborations.
The agreement was signed in Brasília by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Minister Nnaji described the partnership as a bold step in South-South cooperation, spanning key sectors such as biotechnology, space research, digital transformation, and energy transition. “From biotech to space research, digital transformation to energy transition, this partnership is a bold step in South-South cooperation—unlocking jobs, industries, and innovation for both nations,” – Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.
What the Presidents Said
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasised that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s determination to turn opportunities into reality through technology and innovation. “There is no other way to do it than to embrace it with technology, fast development, research, food sovereignty, and manufacturing,” – President Tinubu.
He also called for stronger knowledge exchange in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, stressing the importance of technology transfer between both countries.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hailed the agreement as a fresh start in Nigeria–Brazil relations, highlighting economic integration and cooperation across multiple sectors.
“At a time when protectionism and unilateralism have returned, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their bet on free trade and productive integration. There are many possibilities for synergy between the world’s two largest countries with Black populations,” – President Lula da Silva.
He listed agriculture, oil and gas, fertilisers, aircraft, and machinery as key sectors where cooperation can flourish.
Other Agreements Reached
Alongside the MoU on Science and Technology, both nations reached additional agreements during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília:
- Petrobras returns to Nigeria: Brazil’s state-owned oil company will resume operations after five years, focusing on gas exploration and refining.
- Aviation cooperation (BASA): Nigeria and Brazil signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo.
Trade Relations Between Nigeria and Brazil
Brazil is currently Nigeria’s 49th largest export destination, with bilateral trade reaching US$2.1 billion in 2024.
- Brazil’s exports to Nigeria: Nearly US$1 billion, primarily in sugar and jams.
- Nigeria’s exports to Brazil: Around US$1.1 billion, dominated by fertilisers and raw materials.
This new partnership is expected to expand trade further, strengthen industrial development, and enhance research-driven employment opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The signing of the Nigeria–Brazil MoU on Science, Technology, and Innovation marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations. With cooperation spanning biotech, energy, digital transformation, and space research, both nations are poised to drive industrial growth, innovation, and job creation.
The agreements on oil, aviation, and trade further highlight the depth of Nigeria–Brazil ties and their shared commitment to economic integration and technological advancement.
