“There are many possibilities for synergy between the world's two largest nations with Black populations,” said Lula

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to Brasília on Monday, August 25, for a State visit to Brazil. During the meeting, new agreements were announced in strategic areas, and both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic, political, cultural, and technological exchanges.

At this moment, when protectionism and unilateralism are rising again, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their commitment to free trade and productive integration. There are many possibilities for synergy between the world's two largest nations with Black populations”

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president 
of the Republic

According to President Lula, Tinubu’s visit marks a milestone in the resumption of cooperation between the two countries. “Over the past decade, trade between Brazil and Nigeria has declined drastically. From 10 billion dollars in 2014, it fell to 2 billion dollars in 2024. This was not by chance. In recent administrations, Brazil distanced itself from Africa. Two of the largest economies in Latin America and Africa should have a much greater exchange,” stated Lula.

>> Full statement to the press by President Lula

The Brazilian president emphasized that, over recent months, agreements have been signed in areas such as defense, agriculture, livestock, security, audiovisual production, trade, tourism, and energy. With these new instruments, the relationship between the two countries becomes even stronger. "At this moment, when protectionism and unilateralism are rising again, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their commitment to free trade and productive integration. There are many possibilities for synergy between the two largest nations with Black populations in the world,” he added.

CONNECTIVITY — One of the agreements signed concerns collaboration in the aviation sector. Under the new agreement, it will be possible to establish and operate air services between the two countries, in addition to contributing to the development of international civil aviation. President Lula announced the launch of a direct flight between Lagos and São Paulo, to be operated by the airline Air Peace. “Brazil is aware of the significance of our history, our culture, and our heritage, considering the 350 years of slavery to which the African people were subjected here. The only way to repay this debt cannot be with money, but through solidarity, and political, economic, and cultural alignment. Brazil must assist Africa by transferring technology and knowledge,” he concluded.

MEMORANDUMS — During the visit, Brazil and Nigeria signed four memorandums of understanding in strategic areas. The first concerns cooperation in the training of diplomats, aimed at developing the capacities of foreign service personnel and strengthening the institutional relationship between the two countries. Another agreement provides for the establishment of regular political consultations, designed to facilitate dialogue between the governments on matters of common interest.

A memorandum was also signed for cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, covering research in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, space development, digital transformation, and new materials. In addition, another memorandum was signed between National Bank for Economic and Social Development (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social/BNDES) and the Bank of Agriculture of Nigeria, which will serve as a milestone for promoting trade and development, harmonizing the efforts of both financial institutions.

Technology transfer, energy, and the economy are paths that can benefit both countries. Brazil and Nigeria are here to grow together.”

Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria

BILATERAL RELATIONS — Brazil and Nigeria maintain a traditional and diverse relationship, with strong Nigerian influence on Brazilian cultural and social formation. Politically, bilateral relations have been intense since Nigerian independence in 1960. As the country with the largest economy and population in the African continent, Nigeria is the only country in West Africa—and one of the few in the world—with which Brazil maintains the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. In November 2013, the first session of the mechanism was held in Brasília, during which bilateral working groups were created on topics such as agriculture, food security, and agrarian development; consular and legal matters; defense; and trade and investment, among others.

GROWING TOGETHER — During a statement to the press, Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s interest in deepening its partnership with Brazil, particularly in sectors strategic for joint development. “We spoke about history, about African and Brazilian heritage. We have allowed problems in the past to hold us back, but today we said that ends now. We are fighting and working hard for the level of satisfaction that we, as a nation, want to share with Brazil,” he stated. According to the Nigerian President, there is enormous potential to find solutions that benefit both countries. “Technology transfer, energy, and the economy are paths that can benefit both countries. We ensure that only together can we develop our economies, support our sovereignty, and contribute to improving the world. Brazil and Nigeria are here to grow together,” he stated.

TRADE FLOW — Nigeria ranks 47th among the largest destinations for Brazilian exports. From January to July 2025, bilateral trade reached USD 1.2 billion. Brazilian exports to Nigeria amounted to USD 654.9 million, while imports totaled USD 591.7 million, resulting in a Brazilian trade surplus of USD 63.2 million. The main Brazilian products purchased by the African country include sugars and molasses, raw hides and skins, alcohols and derivatives, and other items from the manufacturing and agricultural industries. Conversely, Brazil primarily imports from Nigeria manure and fertilizers, fuel oils and crude oil, natural gas, and other products from the manufacturing sector.