Tinubu to Eliminate Barriers Slowing Nigeria’s Agriculture for Global Food Security

President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration is fully determined to dismantle all hindrances currently limiting Nigeria’s enormous agricultural potential, especially in the critical area of livestock development, as part of efforts to secure the nation’s food sovereignty and expand its global exports.

Tinubu gave this assurance during a bilateral discussion held with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil, emphasizing the commitment of the Nigerian government to transform agriculture into a globally competitive sector.

This information was released through an official statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Strategic Communications, in Abuja.

The President highlighted that the burden of excessive bureaucracy has slowed down meaningful progress in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. To address this challenge, the government is working to introduce reforms aimed at enhancing competitiveness and facilitating sustainable growth across the entire agriculture value chain.

According to Tinubu, agriculture represents a strategic priority for Nigeria because it is an area where the country naturally holds a comparative advantage, which can be unlocked and maximized through innovative partnerships with international allies.

He went on to reassure the Brazilian government that every technical obstacle involved in bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Brazil would be eliminated in order to accelerate cooperation across vital areas such as trade, energy, mining, and agricultural development.

“All the technical details in our agreements will be harmonized and expedited to promote mutual benefits in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural advancement, as well as mining and the sustainable exploration of natural resources,” Tinubu declared.

Additionally, he lauded Brazil’s achievements and world-class leadership in agricultural research, describing the South American nation as an inspirational model when it comes to food production and export capacity.

Addressing livestock production specifically, the President revealed that Nigeria is already ramping up investments in key segments including poultry, fisheries, and cattle farming. This drive, he explained, will help not only to increase national food supply but also to stimulate employment opportunities across the country.

Furthermore, Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s blue economy holds significant prospects for deeper, long-term partnerships with Brazil in the exploitation of marine and aquatic resources, which can bring lasting economic benefits.

In reinforcing his message, Tinubu urged for decisive and swift action, stressing that both federal and state governments must proactively work together to stimulate large-scale food production throughout Nigeria.

He emphasized that state governments are pivotal in transforming agriculture into a reliable source of mass employment and a robust contributor to national revenue generation.

In response, President da Silva expressed agreement with Tinubu’s sense of urgency and committed to updating and regularizing all existing agreements once Tinubu pays a return visit to Brazil.

Da Silva also stressed the need to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and promised that Brazil’s relevant institutions would actively collaborate with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming systems and promote more resilient production models.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, restated President Tinubu’s dedication to achieving food security through well-coordinated strategic alliances at both global and local levels.

Kyari underscored that Nigeria’s comparative advantage in fertilizer production provides a unique opportunity for driving agricultural expansion, as this input is essential to increasing yields and improving food security.

In addition, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, outlined three major priority areas for enhanced Brazil–Nigeria cooperation: animal health improvements, stricter sanitation measures, and advancements in genetic research for better breeds and productivity.

By tackling these areas, both countries can build a powerful partnership to safeguard food supplies, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth over the long term.