Nigeria Undergoing a Quiet Revolution – Shettima
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| Vice President Kashim Shettima |
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is experiencing a silent yet determined transformation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His remarks came as Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil deepened their strategic alliance to drive economic growth across key sectors, including agriculture, food security, infrastructure, clean energy, trade, and industry.
Speaking at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, themed “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor”, on day three of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) in Abuja, Senator Shettima described the renewed partnership with Brazil as both intentional and rich with potential for mutual advancement.
Referencing Brazil’s progress in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and industrial development, Shettima said it mirrors Nigeria’s current journey, showing what is possible when national ambition aligns with technical capacity.
“These are the same sectors where Nigeria is making bold strides. Under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but unwavering transformation. Markets are opening, institutions are being rebuilt, and policies are being reshaped,” he said.
“What drives this change is not reform for reform’s sake, but a deep commitment to progress. We are seeking partners who understand our vision, respect our aspirations, and are ready to walk this path with us.”
Highlighting the value of Nigeria’s strategic partnership with Brazil, Shettima emphasized that both nations are on parallel journeys—particularly in agriculture—where transformation is being driven by sustained investments in research, modernization, and farmer support.
“Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are coming to life. Our farmers are prepared to operate at scale. But we also recognize that going far requires collaboration. Brazil is not a donor, but a partner—offering innovation, training, and investment,” he noted.
Shettima also applauded Brazil’s leadership in clean energy, saying it aligns with Nigeria’s pragmatic approach to energy transition.
“Nigeria’s energy transition is rooted in what we can control. We are leveraging our gas reserves to power industries and transportation while advancing our renewable energy goals. Brazil’s model offers a proven roadmap,” he explained.
“We are keen to learn how Brazil has built an energy economy that creates jobs, empowers industries, and expands access—especially in rural areas. Our teams are ready to move from policy to practice, from concepts to infrastructure.”
The Vice President further noted that Brazil’s interest in human capital development aligns with Nigeria’s urgent priority of preparing its youthful population for the future.
“We welcome partnerships that promote training, research, and knowledge exchange in areas where Brazil has experience and where Nigeria is gaining momentum,” he added.
In his remarks, Brazil’s Vice President, H.E. Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria through long-term collaboration, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.
He described the moment as “one of the most promising” in the history of Nigeria–Brazil relations.
“This is the right time to deepen our relationship. We aim to create sustainable partnerships that deliver real benefits to our people,” he stated.
Alckmin highlighted opportunities in agriculture, defence, innovation, and energy, noting that while Nigeria and Brazil share strong cultural and historical ties, current trade volumes fall far below their true potential.
“Our trade is growing, but it can grow much more. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a successful South-South trade corridor,” he said.
He also spotlighted the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI)—a $1.1 billion programme aimed at transferring Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria—as a shining example of transformative South-South cooperation.
“Brazil doesn’t just export products—we export solutions and ideas,” Alckmin said, adding that the Brazilian government is simplifying its tax regime and exploring direct flight routes to Nigeria to boost trade and business travel.
On Nigeria’s side, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, called for a reset in bilateral trade relations, expressing concern over the current $2 billion trade volume, down from $9 billion a decade ago.
“The Nigeria–Brazil corridor is not just a nostalgic vision—it’s a practical, achievable reality. Let’s move beyond words and ensure our dialogue delivers real results,” she urged.
Dr. Oduwole also outlined Nigeria’s investment priorities, including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals. She highlighted efforts to simplify investor engagement through a digital portal tracking live project pipelines.
“We are committed to institutional effectiveness. Our agencies—NEPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI—are working as a unified team,” she said.
Princess Zarah Mustapha, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), stressed the importance of state-level reforms in unlocking investments across Nigeria’s subnational regions.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Victoria Aigbedion of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to creating a regulatory climate conducive to investment, particularly in mining, infrastructure, the creative industries, and logistics.
Members of Brazil’s business delegation also expressed strong interest in Nigeria’s investment landscape and long-term growth prospects.
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