President Bola Tinubu, during a meeting with Nigerians based in Brasília, underscored his administration’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s development by leveraging technology and ensuring food security—a strategy inspired by the success stories of emerging economies like Brazil.
Addressing the diaspora community, Tinubu stated, “We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.” He urged Nigerians abroad to view themselves as integral partners in building a new, innovation-driven Nigeria grounded in shared responsibility.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the gathering as a groundbreaking moment in Nigeria’s engagement with its global diaspora. He emphasized that the deep historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil should be rekindled to pave the way for future collaboration.
Highlighting the parallels between both nations’ developmental journeys, President Tinubu remarked, “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.”
Acknowledging the economic challenges posed by recent reforms, Tinubu likened them to “bitter medicine”—painful in the moment but essential for long-term prosperity: “Once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it.”
Echoing the importance of global collaboration, Tinubu referenced planned cultural initiatives, including a voyage featuring Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, as part of broader efforts to deepen international ties.
Responding to questions about expanding consular services in Brazil, the President asked for patience, citing careful resource management as the reason for the delay.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State praised significant policy achievements under Tinubu’s leadership, including the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog, improved financial transparency, and the dismantling of multiple exchange rates—measures that have enhanced investor confidence.
Chairing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri led the engagement, which was also attended by the Deputy Senate President, the Plateau State Governor, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, and other dignitaries.
Chuka Emmanuel, chairman of the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil, commended Tinubu’s outreach and reaffirmed the diaspora’s commitment to supporting national development through agriculture, infrastructure, investment, and education. He proudly noted the rise in the number of Nigerian PhD scholars in Brazil—from three to 296 within the past 18 months.
Tinubu’s meeting in Brazil concludes a three-day state visit marked by red-carpet receptions, military honors, and the signing of five memoranda of understanding covering aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture.
