‘Nigeria, Brazil partnership is model for South-South economic growth’ — Shettima
By Kunle Sanni –
Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed that Nigeria and Brazil are united by a common heritage and shared aspirations, as he declared open the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday.
Welcoming Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, and his delegation, Shettima described the relationship between both countries as a model for South-South cooperation based on mutual respect and practical ambition.
“With the largest Afro-Brazilian population outside Africa, Brazil is more than a distant partner — we are cultural siblings,” Shettima said. “What unites us far outweighs what divides us.”
He also highlighted Nigeria’s demographic strength, noting that with over 230 million citizens, the country is on track to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050 and the most populous by the end of the century.
“Our strategic direction, particularly in global health and human development, is increasingly African, and Nigeria is ready to shape that future alongside partners like Brazil,” he added.
The Vice President underscored that the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue is not ceremonial but a practical mechanism to deliver measurable results through structured cooperation.
“Our working groups are not just committees — they are tasked with translating ministerial goals into clear outcomes with defined timelines and accountability,” Shettima said.
He urged all participants — including ministers, technical teams, and senior officials — to engage the dialogue with discipline and a strong commitment to collaboration across agriculture, trade, health, education, defense, and energy.
