Tinubu Pledges to Eliminate Bureaucratic Barriers in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector During Brazil Visit
President Tinubu has vowed to eliminate red tape hindering Nigeria’s agricultural growth and exports.
He made the commitment during a meeting with Brazil’s President Lula in Rio de Janeiro.
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President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that are slowing down Nigeria’s agricultural growth, stating that such delays are hindering the country’s potential to achieve food security and expand its agricultural exports.
Tinubu made this known during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday at Copacabana Forte in Rio de Janeiro. The meeting involved top officials from both countries’ governments.
According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader said that reforms are already underway to reposition the country’s economy, especially by tapping into its strengths in agriculture.
“We are removing all bottlenecks to improve food and agric production in Nigeria,” the President was quoted as saying. He emphasized that the reforms will help the country attain food sovereignty and enhance its ability to export agricultural products such as livestock and poultry.
Tinubu noted that agreements between Nigeria and Brazil would be simplified and accelerated to boost cooperation in key sectors including trade, energy transition, mining, aviation, and agriculture.
He also praised Brazil’s achievements in agricultural research and food production, calling the country a global model in those areas. “Brazil’s research and development services are exemplary. We admire how you’ve become one of the top producers of agricultural goods,” Tinubu told his Brazilian counterpart.
On livestock production, Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to promote investments in poultry, cattle rearing, fisheries, and the blue economy. He said these sectors present long-term opportunities for partnerships with Brazil.
He added that state governments also have a vital role to play in driving food and livestock production by complementing federal efforts aimed at using agriculture to create jobs and generate revenue.
President Lula, in his remarks, welcomed the cooperation and assured that all existing agreements between both nations would be updated and formalized during Tinubu’s next official visit to Brazil. He stressed the need to remove lingering bureaucratic delays and pledged that Brazilian institutions would support Nigeria’s livestock farming and research efforts.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, confirmed that President Tinubu had prioritized food security and was committed to achieving it through local and international partnerships. He also mentioned that Nigeria’s fertilizer production capacity could be scaled up for greater impact.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, outlined potential areas for collaboration, including disease control, veterinary services, and genetic research on livestock breeds.
Also present at the meeting were the governors of Lagos, Benue, Ogun, Niger, and Delta States. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said sub-national governments would align with the federal government’s agricultural plans. He also praised the inclusion of a business forum in the bilateral visit, which he said would bring innovation and investment to revitalize the sector.
Other Nigerian officials in attendance included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
