Tinubu replies critics: Why I visited Brazil, the gains

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has said his visit to Brazil was a deliberate step to draw lessons from one of the world’s fastest-rising economies and to chart a new path for Nigeria through technology-driven growth and food security.

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi had attacked Tinubu for visiting Brazil and other nations at this critical time.

Speaking at a meeting with Nigerians living in Brazil on Tuesday, Tinubu described his trip as a strategic mission aimed at strengthening bilateral relations while borrowing from Brazil’s transformation story.

Both countries, he recalled, once stood at similar economic starting points, yet Brazil has since surged ahead through investment in agriculture, technology, and innovation.

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

Addressing the Nigerian diaspora community, the President praised their resilience and contributions abroad, urging them to see themselves as co-builders of a reformed Nigeria.

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

Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by ongoing economic reforms, likening them to “bitter medicine” necessary for long-term stability.

He urged patience, insisting that the short-term sacrifices would lay the foundation for future prosperity.

The President highlighted that his administration is deliberately courting global partnerships to unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

He noted that his diplomatic outreach in South America is part of a broader plan to integrate Nigeria into emerging economic networks.

Tinubu also voiced support for a forthcoming cultural voyage spearheaded by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, saying, “If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The time is now.”

Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, pledged the diaspora’s support for national development.

He revealed a surge in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil, rising from just three PhD students two years ago to 296 scholars currently on scholarships.

“This shows our readiness to be partners in agriculture, infrastructure, and investment back home,” Emmanuel said.

Responding to calls for more Nigerian consulates in Brazil, Tinubu urged patience, stressing that the government is carefully managing limited resources to keep foreign missions efficient.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the engagement as historic, linking it to centuries of Nigeria–Brazil cultural ties.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani credited Tinubu’s forex reforms with restoring investor confidence, noting that the clearing of a $7 billion backlog has made Nigeria a more attractive investment destination.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, encouraged Nigerians in São Paulo to continue using the existing liaison office pending upgrades.

The session, coordinated by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chair Abike Dabiri, was also attended by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Information Minister Mohammed Idris.