We’re removing barriers to improve Nigeria’s food and agricultural output — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to dismantle all bureaucratic barriers obstructing the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including livestock production, in a bid to achieve national food sovereignty and boost export capacity.

The President made this commitment during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Copacabana Forte, alongside key cabinet members from both countries.

In a statement issued by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasised that excessive bureaucracy had delayed progress in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He affirmed that reforms were already underway to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, with a strong focus on agriculture, a sector where Nigeria holds a comparative advantage.

“All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked,” Tinubu said, referencing cooperation in key areas such as trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resource exploration.

Tinubu also praised Brazil’s success in agricultural research and development, noting its global reputation as one of the world’s top food producers. He stressed the importance of forming strategic partnerships to support Nigeria’s poultry, fisheries, and cattle-rearing industries, adding that the blue economy presents significant opportunities for long-term collaboration with Brazil.

He highlighted the role of state governments in complementing federal efforts to transform agriculture into a major driver of employment and economic growth.

Brazilian President Lula assured that all pending agreements with Nigeria would be updated and formalised during President Tinubu’s next visit. He acknowledged the need to remove bureaucratic obstacles to accelerate progress, pledging to facilitate cooperation between Brazilian research institutions and Nigeria in livestock farming.

Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to food security, noting that Nigeria’s edge in fertiliser production could be leveraged through international partnerships.

Also speaking, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined three core areas of collaboration with Brazil: livestock health and disease management, sanitary services, and genetic research for new breeds.

Governors present at the meeting included Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos). Other officials in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

Governor Abiodun affirmed the states’ readiness to support the Federal Government’s agricultural reform agenda. He added that the inclusion of a business forum in Tinubu’s state visit would inject new ideas and investment into the sector, speeding up the delivery of tangible results.

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