The second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) kicked off in Abuja on Tuesday, as Nigeria is set to sign more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Brazil.

A Tuesday statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, announced the arrival of Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, to begin the three-day state visit.

The visit Is aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the two countries, as the MoU is expected to cover a broad range of strategic sectors, including defence and security cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration and transition initiatives, cultural and educational exchange programmes, and trade facilitation and industrial development, the statement said.

Alckmin and his wife, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, and members of the Brazilian delegation were received by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House Conference Centre.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, alongside Nigerian governors, ministers, presidential aides, and members of the Nigerian and Brazilian diplomatic corps, were also present to welcome Alckmin.

Other ministers also on the ground included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The three-day event will provide a platform for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tap into new investment flows, facilitate technical cooperation, and open pathways for enhanced strategic engagements for businesses.

Speaking at the airport reception, Senator Hadejia described the visit as “a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda,” emphasising the strategic importance of deepening ties with Brazil.

“This dialogue mechanism represents our commitment to leveraging South-South partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our citizens,” Sen. Hadejia said.

“Brazil’s expertise in agribusiness, energy transition, and industrial development aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s transformation priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The three-day summit will culminate in the signing of over thirty Memoranda of Understanding across critical sectors, including defence cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration, and cultural exchange programmes,” she said.

Highlights of the visit include:

Vice President Kashim Shettima will host Alckmin throughout his visit, which will feature several joint events, including the opening ceremony of the Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday morning at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

A joint press conference by the Foreign Ministers of Nigeria and Brazil is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, also at the State House.

Later that evening, a Nigeria–Brazil Gala Dinner will be hosted by Vice President Shettima in honour of the visiting delegation. (Channels TV)

• Brazil Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, shakes hands with Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria, Jumoke Oduwole