President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the re-elected President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, pledging Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral relations and boost cooperation in important economic sectors.
In a statement from the State House on Monday, October 26, Tinubu described Lula as a friend whose fresh mandate created an opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
The Nigerian president noted that as significant members of the Global South, both countries might work more closely to foster economic integration and advance shared interests in the midst of changes in the world political and economic order.
Tinubu said priority areas for greater collaboration included trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation and cultural exchange.
He also underlined Nigeria’s resolve to work with Brazil to deepen multilateral cooperation and push for common interests in Africa, South America and the larger Global South.
The president said he hoped Lula’s new term would allow space for both countries to strengthen the diplomatic connections already established and seek mutually beneficial measures in the economic field.
“I see your renewed mandate as an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Tinubu stated.
He congratulated the Brazilian leader on his successful new term and extended goodwill on behalf of the Nigerian government and its people.
Brazil’s presidential runoff on Sunday, October 25, saw Lula gain re-election by defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Official results indicated Lula won 51.79 per cent of legitimate votes, or more than 64.2 million ballots, against Bolsonaro’s 48.21 per cent.
Lula is the only person to be elected president of Brazil four times, having previously won in 2002, 2006 and 2022. He is due to start his new term in January 2027.
However the result is unfolding against a backdrop of political differences in Brazil, with Bolsonaro disputing the result and vowing to try to invalidate it over disagreements concerning the extension of voting hours. Lula’s win has been certified by electoral authorities.
Nigeria and Brazil have enjoyed diplomatic connections for decades and both countries have common interests in agriculture, energy, trade, education and cultural exchange. Closer cooperation between Africa’s greatest economy and South America’s biggest economy could unlock potential for investment and business partnerships.
The message from Tinubu reflects Nigeria’s desire to deepen those connections as Lula prepares to start another term in government.
About the Author
