Tinubu lands in Brazil for two-day state visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, in the early hours of Monday to commence a state visit designed to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

The presidential jet, Nigerian Air Force One (NAF-001), popularly known as Eagle One, touched down at Brasília International Airport around 12:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. Nigerian time).

On arrival, he was received by Carlos Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East; Carlos José Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria; and a delegation of senior Nigerian officials led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

From the airport, Tinubu proceeded to his hotel accommodation, where he was welcomed by key Nigerian dignitaries including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

Also present were top cabinet members: Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha; and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

During the two-day engagement, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the Palácio da Alvorada. The discussions will centre on cooperation in agriculture, aviation, livestock, defence, trade, and cultural exchange.

Strategic areas such as energy transition, regional security, and agribusiness investment are also expected to dominate the agenda.

A significant highlight of the visit will be the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct commercial flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

Alongside the high-level meetings, Nigerian ministries will also participate in breakout sessions and side discussions aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation.

(NAN)