President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate barriers stalling Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in livestock production, in a push towards food sovereignty and global exports.

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‎The president made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.

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‎A statement on the event was issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, from the event to journalists in Abuja.

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‎The president said that excessive bureaucracy delayed progress in agriculture, and Nigeria was undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.

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‎He highlighted agriculture as a key area where Nigeria holds a natural competitive advantage that can be unlocked through smart partnerships.

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‎Mr Tinubu assured Brazil that all technical bottlenecks in bilateral agreements would be removed to fast-track trade, energy, mining, and agricultural cooperation.

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He stated, “All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration.”

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‎He praised Brazil’s agricultural research leadership, labelling the South American giant a model in food production and export.

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‎On livestock, Mr Tinubu said Nigeria was scaling up investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to boost food supply and job creation.

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‎He added that Nigeria’s blue economy offered strong potential for long-term collaboration with Brazil in marine and aquatic resources.

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‎The president called for immediate action, stating that both federal and state governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide.

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‎He stressed that state governments play a critical role in turning agriculture into a major source of employment and national revenue.

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‎Mr Da Silva echoed Mr Tinubu’s urgency, promising to regularise and update agreements when Mr Tinubu visits Brazil again.

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‎He called for the removal of bureaucracy and promised Brazil’s institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems.

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‎Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed Mr Tinubu’s commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.

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‎Mr Kyari pointed to Nigeria’s edge in fertiliser production as a ready-made asset for agricultural growth.

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‎Minister of Livestock Development, Idris Maiha, identified three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation; animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.

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‎Also, Ogun State ‎Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said that ‎the planned Nigeria-Brazil business forum would inject new ideas and investment into the sector.

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The statement noted that governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos states were present, reinforcing sub-national support for Mr Tinubu’s agri-drive.

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‎The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, also participated in the bilateral meeting.

(NAN)