Brazil’s President Lula, Tinubu meet at AU summit, mull stronger business relations

President Bola Tinubu and Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, have met on the sideline of 37th ordinary session of the assembly of the African Union (AU) heads of state and government in Ethiopia. 

In a statement, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s spokesperson, said the president, during the meeting, emphasised Nigeria’s economic potential and influence, saying the country is witnessing a forward leap.

According to the presidential spokesperson, Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to deepen ties with Brazil, noting that it is a legacy that can be done together to change the future of their citizens. 

Ngelale said both leaders agreed to work out modalities for a state visit to Brazil by Tinubu after Lula da Silva offered an invitation.

“We are stopping at nothing to remove all encumbrances to business. Red tape is being shredded around us. There is nothing we will not do to manifest the great potential of our nation. We are fighting corruption from the bottom to the top. We will prevent it, and we will remediate,” Tinubu was quoted to have said.

“We are very aware of your progressive legacies of social security provision, infrastructure, and reforms in Petrobras. We are in the process of implementing similar reforms in the NNPCL. 

“We are focusing on investment in new production and new energy sources. We are investing in research, and we are removing obstacles to further partnerships in all areas of operation. There is opportunity for both companies in partnership. 

“I agree that our countries must now have direct air links. I will form a committee of cabinet members who will work directly with your cabinet ministers, and they will urgently form a joint plan of action for the benefit of our two great countries. We may have missed opportunities in the past, but we now look ahead.”

On his part, Lula said the two nations have a long and interesting history together, adding that he is ready to restore the good old days.

“I am back to try to restore, to reclaim our good relations with Nigeria. I can not imagine that a country of 216 million people and another of 213 million people do not have strong relations,” the Brazilian president said.

“Mr. President, I am 78 years old. You are 71. What keeps me energetic is that I fight for a cause. The cause of my nation and people. A great cause is the elixir of sustained vitality for experienced leaders.

“Nigeria and Brazil need stronger relations from the academic viewpoint; from the cultural viewpoint; from the commercial viewpoint; from the agricultural viewpoint; from the industrial relations viewpoint, and from trade relations viewpoint. 

“It is meaningless that there are no direct flights from Lagos to Sao Paulo and vice versa. I can not understand that. We have to sit at a table and find a solution for that. In aviation, there are many areas of potential collaboration with our manufacturers who seek to have a greater presence in Africa.”