President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, arrived in Brasília, Brazil, to a warm and dignified welcome as he began a two-day State Visit at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The visit marks a defining moment in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Brazil and advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the global stage.
At the centre of this mission is a renewed commitment to cooperation in agriculture, aviation, energy, technology, cultural exchange, and the creative economy. Over the course of the visit, Nigeria and Brazil signed landmark agreements and Memoranda of Understanding that will shape the future of both nations, while creating meaningful opportunities for their citizens.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, joined the President as part of his official entourage, reaffirming the vital role of culture and creativity in Nigeria’s foreign relations. Her participation reflects the Ministry’s vision that the creative economy and cultural diplomacy are not just expressions of national pride, but also powerful tools for international partnership and sustainable development.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which will enable direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo. This breakthrough will not only expand trade and tourism, but also make business travel and cultural exchange easier for millions of Nigerians and Brazilians, while strengthening the historical ties that unite two of the world’s largest nations with Black heritage.
Equally transformative is the advancement of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Mechanisation Project, a programme that will deliver tractors and farming equipment assembled in Nigeria. This initiative is expected to create jobs, empower farmers with modern tools, and enhance food security, directly impacting communities across the country.
Beyond agriculture and aviation, new agreements were reached on science, technology, renewable energy, and digital transformation. These pacts open doors for young Nigerians in the creative and tech industries, encourage innovation in the arts, and provide platforms for preserving heritage in modern ways.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, spoke about a future of shared progress built on food sovereignty, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange. He assured investors that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms are fostering a transparent and competitive business environment. President Lula, in turn, highlighted the cultural and historical bonds between both countries as the foundation for deeper South-South cooperation.
For the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, this visit affirms the central role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations. By investing in heritage, tourism, and creative industries, Nigeria is strengthening its international presence while opening pathways for young entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators.
The Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa expressed deep admiration for President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, describing the Brazil visit as a living demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that placing culture and creativity at the heart of diplomacy is a milestone that continues to elevate Nigeria’s global influence, foster lasting partnerships, and empower citizens with opportunities for prosperity. The Minister further emphasized that under President Tinubu’s guidance, Nigeria is not only shaping stronger ties abroad but also redefining how the nation’s heritage and creativity serve as drivers of unity, pride, and transformation.
This State Visit has set a new direction for Nigeria and Brazil relations, one anchored in cultural pride, shared prosperity, and a vibrant creative economy that continues to gain global visibility and drive national transformation.
By:
Sandra Njoku Samuel
Media and Communication to the Honourable Minister
Office of the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy