President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil, emphasizing the need for direct flights between the two nations. This request was made during a meeting with Brazil’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Jose Areias, who presented his Letter of Credence in Abuja.
President Tinubu reiterated his discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which took place in February during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He stressed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing mutual interests, especially with 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. He highlighted potential investments in dairy farming, noting ongoing discussions with Brazilian counterparts about expanding economic ties.
Ambassador Areias conveyed President Lula’s eagerness to welcome President Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. He also extended an invitation for Nigeria to join the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, a Brazilian initiative aimed at eradicating 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. I will do whatever I can to improve Brazil-Nigeria relations,” Ambassador Areias said, emphasizing Brazil’s prioritization of Africa and Nigeria’s significance.
President Tinubu also received the Letter of Credence from Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Vice-Admiral Seth Amoama (Rtd). During the meeting, President Tinubu praised Ghana’s active role in ECOWAS and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with its West African neighbor.
“You must feel at home in Nigeria. Our doors are always open,” President Tinubu assured the Ghanaian High Commissioner, who expressed Ghana’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS.
The meetings underscore Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with key partners in Africa and beyond.
