By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Brasília by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Minister Nnaji described the pact as a bold step in South-South cooperation, stressing its potential to unlock jobs, industries, and innovation across biotechnology, space research, digital transformation, and energy transition.
President Tinubu said the partnership reflects Nigeria’s determination to transform opportunities into reality through technology-driven development, food sovereignty, and manufacturing. He also called for greater collaboration in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Lula hailed the deal as a fresh start in Brazil’s relationship with Nigeria, emphasizing deeper economic integration across agriculture, oil and gas, fertilisers, aviation, and machinery. He noted that Nigeria and Brazil, as the world’s largest Black-populated nations, have wide opportunities for synergy.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of other agreements, including:
Petrobras return to Nigeria: Brazil’s state-owned oil company will resume operations after a five-year break, enhancing cooperation in gas exploration and refining.
Aviation cooperation: A Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) was signed, paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo.
According to trade data, Nigeria is Brazil’s 49th largest export destination, with total trade reaching nearly US$2.1 billion in 2024. Brazil exported about US$1 billion mainly sugar and jams to Nigeria, while importing US$1.1 billion worth of fertilisers.
