President Bola Tinubu arrived in Brasília, Brazil, early Monday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Brazil.
The presidential aircraft, Nigerian Air Force One (NAF-001), popularly known as “Eagle One,” landed at Brasília International Airport around 12:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. Nigerian time).
The Nigerian leader was welcomed by senior Brazilian officials, including Carlos Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.
On hand to receive him from the Nigerian delegation were Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Other top officials present included Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.
The visit, his first official state trip to Brazil as President, comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its international partnerships beyond traditional allies.
Tinubu is expected to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace later today. Both leaders will witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and hold a joint press conference to highlight new bilateral initiatives.
Among the agreements to be formalized is the much-anticipated Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which will establish direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
Officials believe the BASA will significantly boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, opening new economic opportunities between the two nations.
Tinubu’s agenda also includes high-level meetings with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
He will further participate in the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum, which is expected to attract investors and promote private sector collaborations in aviation, agribusiness, livestock, energy transition, and cultural exchange.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen relations with Latin America’s largest economy. Brazil, a key member of BRICS, offers Nigeria an opportunity to expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and regional security initiatives.
Speaking ahead of the trip, senior Nigerian officials emphasized that the state visit would focus on practical partnerships with tangible outcomes. “The signing of the BASA will be a landmark development, but the agenda also extends to food security, defence cooperation, and technology transfer,” a senior aide noted.
With shared interests in agriculture, energy, and regional peacekeeping, observers say this visit could mark a turning point in Nigeria-Brazil relations, positioning both nations for stronger South-South cooperation in a rapidly changing global order.
By the end of his engagements, President Tinubu is expected to have laid a new foundation for bilateral relations, one anchored on mutual growth, expanded trade, and strategic partnerships.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
