President Bola Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology, food security, and innovation, drawing inspiration from the success models of emerging economies such as Brazil.

Speaking during a meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in Brazil on Tuesday evening, Tinubu said his administration is committed to reforms that will transform the economy and deliver 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,” the President declared.

Tinubu described his state visit as a strategic move to strengthen bilateral relations and learn from Brazil’s impressive development trajectory, noting that both countries once shared similar economic starting points.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today—its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President praised the Nigerian Diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment, it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he said.

Acknowledging the economic hardship Nigerians are facing due to ongoing reforms, Tinubu likened the process to “bitter medicine,” insisting it was necessary for long-term stability and prosperity. He added that his government’s recent diplomatic efforts are aimed at unlocking global partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

“We can manufacture. We can design. We can build a nation that works purposefully and prosperously for all of us,” he declared.

The President also voiced support for an upcoming voyage inspired by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, describing it as a symbol of perseverance and vision.

Diaspora, Lawmakers, and Governors Laud Reforms
Mr. Chika Emmanuel, President of the Nigerian Diaspora Organisation in Brazil, commended Tinubu’s policies and pledged the community’s support for national development. He highlighted the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil, noting that the number of PhD students had grown from three to nearly 300 within 18 months.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as a “historic moment,” stressing the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil. He praised Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations, while announcing that direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo are expected to boost economic ties and could necessitate the establishment of a Nigerian consulate in the city.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, speaking on behalf of governors on the delegation, applauded Tinubu’s economic reforms as “transformational.” He cited the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and the elimination of multiple exchange rates as major steps restoring investor confidence.

High-Level Delegation Present
The meeting, anchored by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) CEO Abike Dabiri, was attended by top government officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and several ministers.

They included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Trade, Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. Also in attendance were students, diplomats, and cultural ambassadors.