Nigeria Undergoing Bold but Quiet Transformation Under Tinubu – VP Shettima

The Vice-President,  Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria is undergoing a bold yet quiet transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum held in Abuja, and themed “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor,” Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s reform efforts are deliberate and anchored in long-term development goals.

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation,” Shettima stated.
“Markets are being opened; institutions are being rebuilt; policies are being refocused.
What drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake.
What we seek are partners who see our direction, respect our ambition, and are prepared to walk the path with us.”

The Vice President described the renewed strategic partnership with Brazil as “grounded in intent, and rich in the potential for mutual growth,” drawing parallels between Brazil’s development strides and Nigeria’s aspirations in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and industrialization.

Highlighting the federal government’s ongoing efforts to scale agricultural productivity, Shettima said:

“Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are taking form. Our farmers are ready to operate at scale. But we know the difference between going alone and going far. Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor but as a partner in innovation, training, and investment.”

He also acknowledged Brazil’s leadership in clean energy, noting that Nigeria’s energy transition is focused on sustainable strategies tailored to national strengths.

“We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil’s example provides guidance that is real and tested.
We are eager to learn from your experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs, supports industries and expands access to rural communities.
Our teams are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice, from ideas to infrastructure,” he said.

On human capital development, Shettima lauded Brazil’s interest in skills transfer and education, emphasizing that it aligns with Nigeria’s national objectives.

“We welcome the opportunity for institutional partnerships that promote training, research and the exchange of knowledge in sectors where Brazil has built strength, and in areas where Nigeria is gaining ground.”

Also speaking at the forum, Vice-President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations through innovation and long-term economic cooperation.

“This is a necessary complement to deepen our relations. We want this moment to correspond to the production of sustainable partnerships for our people,” Alckmin said, describing the forum as “one of the most promising” in Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic history.

He noted the untapped potential in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, energy, and innovation, and acknowledged the low trade volume despite strong cultural and historical ties.

“Our trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor.”

Alckmin also referenced the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI)—a $1.1 billion program aimed at transferring Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria—as a model for transformative South-South cooperation.

“Brazil does not just export products, but offers solutions and ideas,” he said, adding that under President Lula’s government, Brazil has streamlined its tax system and is exploring a direct flight route to Nigeria to ease business travel and commerce.

Delivering remarks at the forum, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, called for a renewed trade relationship between the two nations, citing the significant drop in trade volume from $9 billion a decade ago to just $2 billion today.

“The Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,” she urged.

Oduwole identified priority investment areas for Nigeria including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, pharmaceuticals, and the creative economy. She also revealed the government’s effort to digitize investor engagement via a real-time portal for project tracking.

“We are serious about institutional delivery. Our agencies—NEPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI—are working as one team,” she added.

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