Abuja, Nigeria –
Nigeria and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties during the Second Session of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, highlighted by the visit of Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his high-level delegation.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the two nations as “cultural siblings,” emphasizing that the dialogue serves as “a working platform built to drive implementation, collaboration, and tangible progress.”
Key areas of cooperation emerged during the session:
🟣 Health Sector Collaboration –
Minister Iziaq Salako outlined joint initiatives in pharmaceutical and vaccine production, health system strengthening, and workforce training. Nigeria also aims to adopt elements of Brazil’s Generic Drug Act and family health teams to strengthen its primary healthcare infrastructure and improve medicine affordability.
🟣 Agriculture and Food Security –
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris lauded Brazil as a strategic ally, reaffirming Kebbi’s status as the “rice capital of Africa.” Brazilian Vice Minister Cleber Oleveira expressed interest in agriculture and livestock development, signaling stronger partnerships ahead.
🟣 Cultural Diplomacy –
Second Lady Nana Shettima welcomed Maria Lucia Alckmin, the Brazilian Second Lady, underscoring shared values and deep cultural ties between the two nations.
🟣 Economic Growth and Technology Transfer –
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State emphasized cooperation in agricultural innovation, mechanization, and technology transfer, aimed at accelerating economic growth in the region.
More than 30 bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, covering key sectors such as agriculture, defense, energy, and culture.
