NIGERIA: Tinubu Pledges Tech-Driven Growth, Food Security In Meeting With Nigerians In Brazil

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, drawing inspiration from Brazil’s economic progress.

The President made the commitment on Tuesday during a meeting with Nigerians living in Brazil, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu said his administration is focused on reforms that will reposition Nigeria as a leader in Africa, driven by innovation, food sovereignty, and inclusive growth.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he told the gathering.

The President described Nigeria and Brazil as once being on a similar economic footing, but noted that Brazil had advanced significantly in technology and food systems. He stressed that Nigeria must harness its youthful population and talent to drive transformation.

Tinubu commended the Nigerian diaspora community, urging them to see themselves as stakeholders in nation-building. He acknowledged the hardship caused by ongoing economic reforms but insisted they were essential for long-term stability.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He also expressed support for an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, recalling a similar initiative he championed while governor of Lagos State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, praised Tinubu for strengthening ties with the South American nation.

He revealed that the number of Nigerian PhD students in Brazil had risen from three to nearly 300 in less than two years, all on scholarships.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as historic, while Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, citing the clearance of a $7 billion forex backlog as a major achievement.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris.

The meeting was anchored by the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri.