Beyond the Green Imperative Project, Brazil is planning a broader $8 billion investment in Nigeria, targeting agriculture, livestock, and job creation. Garcete revealed that Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, is scheduled to visit Nigeria in June, accompanied by a business delegation seeking further collaborations across multiple sectors.
Abuja, Nigeria – After six years of negotiations, Nigeria and Brazil have officially commenced the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP), a major agricultural initiative aimed at increasing food production and enhancing private-sector investment in Nigeria.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was initially signed in 2018, with additional agreements totaling $7.8 billion reached in late 2024 during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Brazil. These include the $4.3 billion second phase of the GIP and a $2.5 billion investment by JBS, a Brazilian agribusiness company.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the launch as a significant step in the administration’s strategy to ensure food security. He emphasized that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s economic agenda and will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, benefiting small-scale farmers.
“As we tackle food security challenges, initiatives like the Green Imperative Project are crucial for policy continuity and economic growth,” Shettima stated. He noted that Nigeria has struggled with low agricultural productivity for decades, despite the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens. The GIP, he said, offers a viable solution by equipping farmers with modern agricultural tools and linking them to broader value chains.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, described the project as a milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations. He explained that Brazil has been in discussions with Nigeria for the past seven years to secure financing from private and regional development banks for the initiative.
“The project will facilitate the importation of tractors and other agricultural machinery, with assembly and maintenance operations based in Nigeria,” Garcete stated. He added that Brazilian experts will train Nigerian workers to ensure local expertise in equipment repairs and maintenance.
Beyond the Green Imperative Project, Brazil is planning a broader $8 billion investment in Nigeria, targeting agriculture, livestock, and job creation. Garcete revealed that Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, is scheduled to visit Nigeria in June, accompanied by a business delegation seeking further collaborations across multiple sectors.
“We are here to build lasting partnerships with Nigeria. This is not about donations or sales but about mutual economic growth,” the ambassador affirmed.
Governors from several Nigerian states expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to transform agriculture at the sub-national level. Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi emphasized the project’s significance in revitalizing the country’s economy, while Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia noted that Benue, as Nigeria’s “food basket,” stands to benefit significantly.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar highlighted the agreement as an example of South-South cooperation between the two nations. He pointed out that Brazil’s successful agricultural transformation offers valuable lessons for Nigeria.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also commended the collaboration, emphasizing its role in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
With the formal launch of the Green Imperative Project, Nigeria is set to witness significant advancements in mechanized farming, increased food production, and strengthened international partnerships, positioning the country for sustainable agricultural growth.
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