President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil, emphasizing the need for direct flights between the two nations. The President made this appeal on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Credence from Brazil’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Jose Areias.
According to a Press Statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), President Tinubu highlighted the discussions he had with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering bilateral relations with Brazil, welcoming 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 said. He also expressed interest in advancing investments in dairy farming between the two countries.
In response, Ambassador Areias shared that President Lula is eager to host President Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, he conveyed Brazil’s invitation for Nigeria to join the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, a key initiative under Brazil’s G20 presidency aimed at eliminating extreme poverty by 2030.
The Brazilian Ambassador expressed his commitment to enhancing Brazil-Nigeria relations, noting that a decade ago, the trade volume between the two countries was around $10 billion. He pledged to work diligently to surpass that figure, emphasizing that Africa, particularly Nigeria, remains a top priority for Brazil.
President Tinubu also received the Letter of Credence from Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Vice-Admiral Seth Amoama (Rtd). The President praised Ghana’s active role in ECOWAS and affirmed Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening ties with its West African neighbor.
“You must feel at home in Nigeria. Our doors are always open, and I wish you a pleasant stay,” President Tinubu said to the High Commissioner, a former Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) of Ghana and an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and National Defence College, Abuja.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Hails D’Tigress Coach Rena Wakama as Best at Olympics
High Commissioner Amoama reiterated Ghana’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s leadership within ECOWAS, pledging to back President Tinubu’s efforts in every possible way.
