Charles Esther
President Bola Tinubu was accorded full military honours by the Brazilian government upon his arrival in South America.
The welcoming ceremony was organised by Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Tinubu landed in Brasília on Monday to commence his official state visit aimed at boosting Nigeria–Brazil bilateral relations.
Reception at Brasília Air Base
The Nigerian President, who flew in from Los Angeles, United States, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian officials.
Those present included Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East; Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete; and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.
Official Welcome at Planalto Palace
According to Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will be formally received later on Monday at the Planalto Palace.
The ceremony will include a military parade and a private meeting with President Lula da Silva.
Bilateral Talks and Agreements
The statement revealed that both leaders are expected to hold extended bilateral discussions.
They will also witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference.
Strengthening Nigeria–Brazil Partnership
Onanuga emphasized that Brazil remains a vital partner in Nigeria’s food security drive.
He highlighted major collaborations, including the $2.5 billion JBS investment signed at the 2024 G20 Leaders’ Summit and the ongoing $1.1 billion Green Imperative agricultural mechanisation programme.
