By Muhyideen Jimoh
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‎President Bola Tinubu has pledged to eliminate all barriers stalling Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in livestock production, in a push towards food sovereignty and global exports.
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‎The president made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
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‎A statement on the event was issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
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‎The president said that excessive bureaucracy had delayed progress in agriculture, and Nigeria was undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.
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‎He highlighted agriculture as a key area where Nigeria holds a natural competitive advantage that can be unlocked through smart partnerships.
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‎Tinubu assured Brazil that all technical bottlenecks in bilateral agreements would be removed to fast-track trade, energy, mining, and agricultural cooperation.
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‎’All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration,” Tinubu said.
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‎He praised Brazil’s agricultural research leadership, calling the South American giant a model in food production and export.
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‎On livestock, Tinubu said Nigeria was scaling up investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to boost food supply and job creation.
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‎He added that Nigeria’s blue economy offered strong potential for long-term collaboration with Brazil in marine and aquatic resources.
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‎The president called for immediate action, stating that both federal and state governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide.
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‎He stressed that state governments play a critical role in turning agriculture into a major source of employment and national revenue.
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‎Da Silva echoed Tinubu’s urgency, promising to regularise and update all agreements when Tinubu visits Brazil again.
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‎He called for the removal of bureaucracy and promised Brazil’s institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems.
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‎Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.
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‎Kyari pointed to Nigeria’s edge in fertiliser production as a ready-made asset for agricultural growth.
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‎Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, identified three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation; animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.
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‎Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, said that
‎the planned Nigeria-Brazil business forum would inject new ideas and investment into the sector.
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‎Onanuga stated that Governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos State were present, reinforcing sub-national support for Tinubu’s agri-drive.
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‎Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) also participated in the bilateral meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited. By Bashir Rabe Mani