President Bola Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, using the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.
Speaking during a meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in Brazil on tuesday evening, Tinubu stressed his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth. He described his state visit as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw inspiration from Brazil’s development trajectory.
The president noted that both nations once shared similar economic starting points. He declared, “we must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.”
“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?” he retorted.
“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act.”
Commending the vibrant Nigerian Diaspora community, Tinubu urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.
“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment, it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,’’ he said.
The President acknowledged the difficulties citizens are facing, due to ongoing economic reforms, but insisted they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.
“Yes, the reforms are tough, like bitter medicine. But, once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” Tinubu explained.
Referencing his recent diplomatic shuttles, the President said his government is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that can unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.
“We can manufacture. We can design. We can build a nation that works, purposefully and prosperously for all of us,” he said.
Tinubu also voiced support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.
“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now,” Tinubu stressed.
He appealed passionately for Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.
Earlier, Mr Chika Emmanuel, President, Nigerian Diaspora Organisation of Brazil, hailed President Bola Tinubu for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil, while pledging the diaspora’s active support for national development.
“First of all I want to thank you and your team for the incredible job you’re doing for us.
`We have never denied the fact that we do have challenges. We know, but, we have stopped complaining, and we have chosen to work.”
He emphasised the Diaspora’s role as a development partner, highlighting the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.
“Before my election, we had only three PhD students, but right now, which is a year and half after my assumption of office, we now have 296 PhD students here in Brazil, and all on scholarships, s
“We are also looking for direct investment back home, especially in the area of agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
“We would like to be a channel to this national development,’’ he said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as a moment of great historical significance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil ties forged through centuries of migration and cultural exchange, while stressing the need to rekindling those bonds.
The Speaker lauded President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with Brazil, noting that recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives have laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who spoke on behalf of governors on President Tinubu’s delegation, praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.
“In the past, it was almost impossible to convince any investor to come to Nigeria,
“But just last year, Mr. President cleared a 7 billion dollar forex backlog, a major intervention.”
According to the governor, Nigeria now offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or foreign exchange crises.
“Before, even Nigerians in Nigeria, couldn’t invest freely. But now, any investor can come in, do business, and take their profits out without stress.”
He credited the elimination of multiple exchange rates and improved transparency in the financial system, as key factors building investor’s confidence.
Speaker Abass said that the introduction of direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo is expected to boost economic activity around the route, potentially creating the need for a Nigerian consulate in the city.
He assured that the National Assembly stands ready to support President Tinubu in advancing the initiative.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians residing in São Paulo and surrounding areas to continue utilizing the existing liaison office, until necessary upgrades are implemented.
The meeting anchored by the CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri was attended by top government officials including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.
Others are: Ministers of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Trade, Jumoke Oduwole, Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, as well as representatives of Nigerians living in Brazil, students, diplomats and cultural ambassadors.
