Aviation sector: Tinubu urges enhanced collaboration between Nigeria, Brazil

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has called for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil, emphasizing the importance of establishing direct flights between the two countries to boost economic and cultural ties.

During a meeting at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, where he received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Jose Areias, President Tinubu reiterated the need for enhanced bilateral cooperation. He recalled his discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in February, on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they discussed the potential benefits of direct flights.

According to a statement from his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Brazil to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared priorities. He also welcomed Brazil’s upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2024.

“We have a long history of bilateral and cultural relations with Brazil. You must see Nigeria as your second home and explore the abundant economic opportunities in the country,” President Tinubu stated. “I have been talking to some of my Brazilian friends about the prospects of investing in dairy farming in Nigeria. We are eager to push these investments forward.”

He added, “In my recent discussions with President Lula, we agreed to energize the economic development of our two countries, and I look forward to continuing that collaboration.”

In response, Ambassador Areias expressed President Lula’s eagerness to welcome President Tinubu to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro. He also conveyed President Lula’s invitation for Nigeria to join the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative focused on food security, which is a key proposal of Brazil’s G20 presidency to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.

“I am in a country similar to Brazil, and I feel very much at home here with the culture, music, and people of Nigeria,” Ambassador Areias remarked. “I will do whatever I can to improve Brazil-Nigeria relations. Ten years ago, the trade volume between our two countries was around $10 billion, and I will work hard to increase that number. Africa is a top priority for President Lula, and Nigeria is the most important country for us.”

President Tinubu also received the Letter of Credence from Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Vice-Admiral Seth Amoama (Rtd). He commended Ghana’s active participation in ECOWAS and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with its West African ally.

“You must feel at home in Nigeria. Our doors are always open, and I wish you a pleasant stay in the country,” President Tinubu told the High Commissioner, a former Chief of Defence Staff of Ghana, who is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and a fellow of the National Defence College, Abuja.

High Commissioner Amoama expressed Ghana’s steadfast support for Nigeria’s leadership within the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. “We will continue to support the able leadership of President Tinubu in every way possible,” he stated.